Six suspected robbers were on Monday shot dead by police in Kiambu County as they attempted to steal from a biscuit-manufacturing company.
Confirming the incident, Kiambu County Police Commander Adiel Nyange said the suspects gained entry into Thika’s Sunveat Industries situated in Makongeni estate and tried to steal goods.
Mr Nyange said that a gang of more than 12 robbers entered the biscuits manufacturing plant after they drilled a hole through the perimeter fence.
Armed with crude weapons, the gangsters then attacked the watchmen, one of whom was critically injured while the rest were found tied up.
One of the night guards, however, managed to free himself and contacted the company's supervisor, who informed the police of the robbery attempt.
Nyange said the police quickly moved into action and found the robbers still in the premises.
The officers shot dead six of the robbers while the rest escaped.
“Our officers quickly moved into the company through the perimeter wall and confronted the robbers who were in the process of stealing from the company,” said Nyange.
“One of the robbers was in the possession of a homemade gun capable of firing. A gunfight ensued and in the process, six of the robbers were fatally injured while the rest managed to escape,” he added, as quoted by the Nation.
The police commander urged hospitals in the area to inform the police if anyone seeks medical treatment for gunshot wounds.
“I want to send a message to all hospitals within Thika and its outskirts to let us know of patients who seek treatment for gunshot wounds. As you treat them, lets us know so that we can get them,” he added.