Four suspected criminals were shot and killed in a dramatic police operation in Sombogo area, Marani, Kisii County, after an attempted robbery at a local bakery on Thursday morning.
According to police reports, the gang of six, armed with firearms, axes, and knives, stormed the bakery at around 1 a.m., demanding the day’s earnings from the owner. However, the quick-thinking business owner managed to alert officers stationed at the Marani police camp, prompting a swift response.
Upon arrival, the officers found the gang attempting to escape in a tuk-tuk. Together with the bakery owner, police pursued the suspects on a motorcycle. A high-speed chase ensued, leading to an exchange of gunfire near Sombogo Tea Factory. Despite warning shots from the police, the suspects retaliated while attempting to flee on an uphill road.
The chase ended about 400 meters away at Sombogo shopping center when the tuk-tuk lost control and landed in a ditch. Two suspects managed to escape on foot, while four others, including a woman, were shot dead in the encounter.
Police recovered two firearms from the scene—a Scorpion submachine gun and a G3 rifle—along with an axe and a knife, reinforcing suspicions that the gang was prepared to use lethal force. No police officers were injured during the operation.
The bodies of the three unidentified male suspects and one female suspect were taken to Marani Level Four Hospital mortuary for identification and postmortem examination. Authorities are now working to identify the deceased and trace the two suspects who managed to escape.
Marani Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched further investigations into the incident. Police have also intensified patrols in the area to curb the rising crime wave. Authorities believe the slain suspects were part of a larger network responsible for recent criminal activities in the region.
“We have profiled some of the suspects believed to be behind these incidents, and efforts are ongoing to trace and apprehend them,” police stated.
Residents have expressed relief following the police action, hoping it will deter further criminal activities in the area. Security agencies have assured the public that they are committed to maintaining law and order.
