Two suspected robbers were Tuesday morning shot dead and a gun believed to be belonging to police found on them in Ruaka, Kiambu County.
Police said the two suspects who were riding on a motorcycle were planning to stage a robbery on a supermarket in the area when an ambush was laid on them.
This prompted a shootout that saw the two killed and the police officer from Nairobi shot in the neck.
He was rushed to Uzima hospital in Nairobi in a stable condition.
Gigiri police boss Alice Kimeli said the suspects were planning a robbery on the supermarket when police were informed.
“In the process of stopping the gang, a shootout broke out and we have casualties on the side of the suspects while one officer was injured,” she said.
The crime scene was processed and bodies moved to the mortuary.
Police said they are investigating to establish if there were more players in the incident.
This includes efforts to establish the ownership of the pistol that was recovered and if it has been used elsewhere in crime.
The incident attracted a huge crowd before the bodies were moved to the mortuary for further identification.
Ruaka is among new emerging towns around Nairobi and faces security challenges.
Police have heightened operations in and around the city ahead of the Christmas festivities.
