A suspected gang leader was shot dead in Igembe North, Meru County, just hours after police announced a security operation in the region.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said that the incident happened on Saturday morning in the Linjoka area, when officers on patrol came across a group of about five men.
According to police, the officers tried to stop the group, but the situation turned tense quickly the men are allegedly to have opened fire, forcing the officers to respond.
In the exchange, one of the suspects was shot and died at the scene. The other four managed to escape.
Police later said the man who was killed is believed to have been leading a gang linked to several incidents in Igembe North and nearby areas.
Police were able to recover a pistol and a few rounds of ammunition at the scene, which will be used as part of the ongoing investigations.
The body was taken to Nyambene Sub-County Hospital mortuary.
Police have since launched a search for the four suspects who escaped and whom they believed to still be armed.
The incident comes shortly after Inspector General Douglas Kanja announced a wider security operation targeting areas affected by banditry, including parts of Meru, Laikipia, Samburu, and Isiolo
Police are now requesting residents in these areas to share any information that could help with the ongoing operation.
