Two people believed to be part of an armed gang were killed following a gunfire exchange with police officers.
In an update on Thursday, December 5, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the gunfight occurred in Matungu, Kakamega County where the gang members had been hiding.
DCI reported that after obtaining intelligence leads, officers cornered the gang members and ordered them to surrender, but they defied the orders and put up a fight.
"A team of detectives from DCI HQS deployed to pursue an armed gang that has been operating with impunity in Kakamega and neighbouring counties have recovered an AK 47 rifle after a gunfight with two of the gang members. The latter were also fatally injured in the process.
"Having obtained intelligence leads to the suspect's hideout at a rented house in Matungu village, the operators comprising DCI's Operation Action Team and Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau cordoned the rental unit, ordering the suspects to step out and surrender," DCI said.
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The investigating agency added, "In defiance, the gun-hardened duo opted for a battle of guns, only to be neutralized at the sound of cocking the rifle from inside the house."
In the aftermath of the deadly fire exchange, a rifle loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition and a Bajaj motorcycle were recovered.
DCI said police believe that the motorcycle belongs to a cop who was brutally attacked by a machete-wielding gang in Butere.
"Police in the area believe that the recovered motorcycle belongs to a fellow police officer who is in a coma at a Kakamega hospital, after he was accosted by a machete-wielding gang on the night of November 12, 2024 in Butere township.
"The exhibits have been secured and the bodies moved to Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation and fingerprinting for identification," the DCI further stated.
The police officers in the gun battle were also injured.
