A suspected gang member was fatally shot and two others were injured as police thwarted a robbery attempt at Piai Trading Centre in Murinduko Ward, Mwea-East Sub-County, Kirinyaga County. The incident highlights the ongoing battle against crime in the region and underscores the heightened vigilance of local law enforcement.
According to Mwea-East Police Commander Patrick Nyaanga, officers from Piai and Itangi stations were patrolling the area around 2 a.m. when they encountered a gang of more than six individuals attempting to break into a shop. Upon spotting the police, the suspects attempted to flee, which led to a confrontation. In response to the suspects’ aggressive actions, the officers opened fire, resulting in the death of one gang member and the injury and subsequent arrest of two others.
Commander Nyaanga confirmed that the wounded suspects were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. “We have taken the two injured suspects to the hospital and are continuing the search for the other members of the gang,” he stated. The police have also recovered the vehicle used by the suspects, along with several stolen items, which provides critical evidence in their ongoing investigation.
The arrested suspects reportedly confessed to their criminal activities, revealing that robbery was part of their regular operations. Nyaanga emphasized that the police are determined to address the issue of crime head-on. “The two suspects admitted that this is their line of work,” he noted. “We have been tracking these individuals, and if you are involved in crime, we are coming for you.”
The incident has drawn significant attention from local residents, who have expressed relief at the swift police action but remain concerned about the safety of their communities. In response to these concerns, Nyaanga assured the public that night patrols would continue throughout Mwea-East Sub-County. This increased vigilance aims to deter further criminal activities and provide a sense of security to the residents.
“The safety of our community is our top priority,” Nyaanga declared. “We will not relent until all members of this gang are apprehended and all criminal activities are curbed. Our officers will continue to patrol the area diligently, and we will use every available resource to ensure that our towns remain safe.”
The body of the deceased suspect has been transported to Kerugoya Hospital mortuary, where an autopsy will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. The police are also working to gather more information on the remaining gang members and their potential connections to other criminal activities in the region.
This incident is part of a broader effort by the local police to combat crime in Kirinyaga County. The aggressive stance taken by law enforcement reflects a commitment to maintaining public safety and enforcing the law effectively. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that such proactive measures will lead to a significant reduction in criminal activities and a safer environment for all residents.
In conclusion, the early morning operation in Mwea-East serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by local law enforcement in their fight against crime. The decisive actions taken by the police underscore their commitment to protecting the public and ensuring that justice is served. As the search for the remaining gang members continues, the community and law enforcement agencies alike are united in their resolve to uphold the rule of law and maintain peace and security in the region.