Two suspected notorious criminals in Kisumu town were shot dead on Tuesday night and two homemade guns recovered.
Police officers killed the suspects in Migosi and Manyatta Estates at about 8pm and 2am, said Assistant Inpsector General of Police Joseph Keitany.
He said one of the most wanted criminals killed was identified as Ochono alias Kosgey.
Keitany said Ochono with two of his accomplice who escaped on a motorbike were planning to rob an Mpesa shop in Gesoko, Manyatta area.
In Migosi, two suspects armed with AK47 riffle, homemade pistol and a panga engaged Quick Response Team officers in fire exchange with one of them being shot dead.
Keitany said a suspect armed with AK47 riffle escaped with gunshot wounds within the populated estate. The slain suspect has not been identified since no documents were found on him.
“The suspects on a motorbike started to shoot at police officers when they were flanked to stop prompting their shooting,” he added.
He praised members of the public who had informed them of the suspects.
The police boss said the suspects may have been a member of a gang that staged robberies, killed, maimed and raped residents in Nyalenda, Manyatta, Obunga, Nyamasaria, Migosi and Airport.
Keitany said recently they killed another notorious criminal Mohammed Hussein alias Mzito in Bandani at about 1am.
The suspect had faced the officers with a panga in hand prompting his shooting. He said several cases of the attacks are in court.
Inspector General of police Joseph Boinnet last week when he visited Kisumu directed police officers to act firmly on criminals.
He opened three police posts at Nyalenda, Obunga and Migosi, built using the CDF.
He commended Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura for helping build the posts, and warned police against laxity and colluding with criminals, saying they would be punished.
Speaking after commissioning the Sh2.1 million Nyalenda Police Post, Boinnet further called for cooperation between police and the public.
Residents of Nyalenda, Obunga, Migosi and Nyamasaria reportedly hesitated to reveal names of suspects, saying some police officers did not conceal their identities.
On Tuesday, Governor Ranguma and County Commissioner John Elungata warned gangs against terrorising residents.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day at Kenyatta sports grounds, they said thugs will not be tolerated in Kisumu and warned them to surrender before the police get them.
Elungata said more than 10 suspects believed to be members of the 40 Brothers have been arrested.