Two suspected thugs killed in Narok police shootout

Two suspected criminals were shot dead by police officers in Narok County during a fierce overnight gun battle that also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.

The gun is believed to have been used in a series of violent crimes in the region.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), officers based at Lolgorian Police Station conducted the operation following intelligence reports linking the suspects to a criminal syndicate involved in murders, violent robberies and burglaries.

Police said the officers tracked the suspects to Olakira area, where they allegedly caught them in the act of breaking into a local pub and stealing assorted alcoholic drinks.

“In a well-coordinated operation, police officers based at Lolgorian Police Station in Narok County recovered an AK-47 rifle, cutting short the reign of terror of a syndicate linked to a wave of murders, violent robberies and burglaries,” the police said in a statement.

According to investigators, the three suspects fled immediately after spotting the officers.

“On spotting the police, the trio abandoned their loot, hopped onto a standby getaway motorcycle, and sped into the pitch-black night,” the statement added.

Police officers pursued the suspects before cornering them in Olkilorit area, where the confrontation escalated into a shootout.

“Determined to bring the suspects to book, the officers gave chase, cornering the thugs at Olkilorit area,” police said.

“Defying orders to surrender, the desperate criminals opened fire on the police, triggering a fierce shootout.”

The officers responded, fatally injuring two of the suspects, while a third suspect escaped with gunshot wounds.

At the scene, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with two rounds of ammunition, two Maasai swords, a claw hammer and a red Boxer motorcycle believed to have been used as the gang’s getaway bike.

Police also recovered assorted alcoholic beverages and several other items suspected to have been stolen from the pub.

The bodies of the two suspects were moved to the Transmara West Sub-County Hospital Level 4 Mortuary pending postmortem examinations.

Meanwhile, detectives have launched a manhunt for the injured suspect who escaped during the exchange of fire.

“Officers are pursuing crucial leads to trail and apprehend the suspect who escaped with gunshot wounds,” police said.

The DCI said the operation demonstrates its commitment to dismantling armed criminal gangs through intelligence-led operations.

“This operation underscores the commitment to smoke out armed criminal gangs through intelligence-led operations across the country,” the statement added.

Police have also appealed to members of the public to volunteer any information that could help in tracking down the fugitive suspect, assuring residents that all information shared will be treated with strict confidentiality.

Authorities urged locals to report suspicious individuals seeking treatment for gunshot injuries or hiding within the area.