Police gun down two armed gangsters, recover AK47 rifle in Kakamega

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Thursday shot dead two members of an armed gang that had been terrorizing residents in Kakamega and neighboring counties, recovering an AK47 rifle in the process.

The detectives, the DCI says, tracked the suspects to a rental unit in Matungu village after receiving a tip-off from members of the public about their whereabouts.

"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," the DCI said in a statement on Friday.

According to the DCI, the suspects did not obey the order. Instead, they cocked the rifle within the confines of the rental apartment, apparently preparing to fire at the officers, who heard the sound. The detectives responded swiftly by opening fire.

"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," said the DCI.

"From the house of the felled men who are yet to be identified, the rifle loaded with 15 rounds of live ammunition and a Bajaj motorcycle were found."

Detectives believe the motorcycle was stolen from a police officer who was attacked by a machete-wielding gang on the night of November 12 in Butere Township. The officer is currently in a coma.

"The exhibits have been secured and the bodies moved to Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation and fingerprinting for identification," the DCI said.