Police in coast have killed three suspected members of a criminal gang operating in Mombasa and its outskirts and two AK 47 rifles, 59 rounds of ammunition and a knife recovered in a dramatic gun shoot out that left many shocked.
Among the slain suspects is one Simon Kinyua who has been in the most wanted list and was linked to the murder of a police officer in Taita Taveta.
“A combined team of officers from Stapol Rabai and Divcrime Rabai pursued the said gang and caught up with them at Kokotoni are. A shoot out ensued and the three members of the gang were fatally injured,” said police in a report on the incident.
The gang has also been terrorizing M-Pesa owners and resident of Mombasa and its environs.
Police on patrol intercepted the gang after a looting spree in the area. They tried to escape using motorcycle.
Two suspects had concealed their weapons in a basket but when confronted by the police, they opened fire and were shot dead in the ensuing shootout.
The police officer who did not want to be named said the ringleader identified only as Kinyua and his accomplices had been on the run for a long time.
One suspect escaped on foot but was later killed after he tried to attack Rabai OCPD David Maina with a knife.
The Rabai OCPD suspects the two AK47 recovered from the suspects may have been stolen from their armories or bought from neighboring countries.
The police have in their custody a boda boda rider who is said to have been aiding the suspects to flee. The rider is helping the police in investigations.
“They have terrorized Kilifi residents from all corners of the county; Rabai, Kokotoni, Ribe, Mwawesa, Ruruma and Kisurutuni,” police said.
According to a tweet shared by the office of the Director of Criminal Investigations on Monday, two AK47 rifles loaded with 29 and 30 rounds of bullets, a blood-stained dagger, a reed woven basket, a brown jacket and Sh168,000. The motorcycle they were using was also seized and the rider arrested.
“Two AK47rifles, Several ammunitions, Motorcycle, Cash & other items were recovered. One suspect in custody,” DCI Tweeted.