Police in Kisumu gunned down three suspected gangsters on Friday night.
The officers recovered an AK47 rifle with 26 rounds of ammunition, a browning pistol, two pangas and impounded a motor vehicle.
One of the suspects escaped during the fierce shoot out that took place at 9.30pm at Desnol petrol station on the Kisumu-Bondo road.
County commissioner Mohamed Maalim said the suspects were trailed from Kisumu town after a tip off from a good samaritan.
“The criminals were said to be targeting an Mpesa shop in Maseno area,” he said on Saturday.
The suspects are said to have stopped to fuel at the petrol station when police officers ordered them to surrender.
They declined and started firing at police officers, who shot back, killing three.
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Maalim said the suspects are believed to be part of a gang that has been terrorising residents in Kisumu.
But he noted conflicting reports about the vehicle the suspects were using.
"There are conflicting reports that it was from a car hire and other sources tell it was stolen but the investigation will confirm," Maalim said.
He added that they are pursuing other gang members.
The bodies of the three were taken to Jaramogi Oginga referral hospital mortuary for identification, postmortem and investigation.
He said the county security team has put in place measures to ensure Kisumu is a crime free zone.
“I must commend the officers for their bravery act and members of the public who gave us the information,” Maalim said.
Residents were urged to provide information on crime and suspicious activities in the area.