Three suspected highway robbers met their untimely deaths when they were on Monday gunned down by police after allegedly hijacking a United Nations (UN) official at Mukuyuni area in Machakos County.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects were in a five-man gang and were found masquerading as traffic police officers along Machakos – Kitui Road.
Upon being ambushed by detectives, the suspects allegedly declined to surrender, prompting the officers to open fire.
“The five men were performing traffic duties along Machakos-Kitui Rd when detectives commanded them to surrender, instead they fired at the officers,” said the DCI.
Two of the suspects managed with detectives rescuing the UN official who had already been handcuffed.
Police recovered from the scene a pistol, several round of ammunition, traffic police uniform and a vehicle that the suspects were using.
Meanwhile, a hunt is underway for the two suspects who escaped.