Police in Nairobi on Wednesday, January 25 killed four suspected thugs and recovered three firearms and stolen items in separate incidents.
In the first incident which occurred minutes to 5 am, two thugs died in a hail of fire after challenging detectives on patrol, leading to an exchange of fire at Kwa Viatu area near Kamukunji grounds.
“The two who were part of a four-man gang that had earlier accosted two members of the public headed for their early morning hustles were intercepted close to Kamukunji grounds, where on noticing the presence of our officers they shot at them leading to the exchange.
“Two of the thugs were lucky to escape the onslaught by diving into the nearby Nairobi river, opting to swim downstream while gulping mouthfuls of the heavily polluted water infested with human and household waste.
Following the incident, one homemade firearm capable of firing was recovered, as a blood-stained knife, mobile phones and six wallets,” police said in a statement.
Another armed thug was killed by officers on patrol along Thika Road in the Kastemill area, after he was intercepted trying to cross over to Zimmerman carrying stolen goods.
“The armed thug who defied orders to surrender was fatally wounded and a Beretta pistol loaded with 2 rounds of 9mm calibre was recovered from him.
“Also recovered was a 43’’flat screen television suspected to have been stolen from a house in Zimmerman,” police stated.
In the third incident, a robber died in a fierce shootout with police as his accomplice escaped.
“The two armed with a Browning pistol loaded with 13 rounds of 9mm calibre were no match to the sleuths’ ferocious firepower coupled with sufficient government ammo, which fatally wounded one of them instantly as his accomplice fled to nearby shrubs with life-threatening injuries,” police added.
A police raincoat, handcuff keys, four mobile phones, two master keys and a dagger were recovered.
Police have since launched manhunt for the suspected thugs who escaped.
“Efforts to arrest the thugs who escaped are in top gear as detectives urge medical practitioners in Eastlands to be on the lookout for two young men seeking treatment for severe diarrhoea and one with gunshot injuries,” police urged.