Police officers mounting a body of a suspect of robbery gunned down during an exchange of fire between police and robbers. Five armed robbers have been killed in Machakos. [Photo|The Star]
Armed criminals were reportedly killed by police officers from the flying squad unit this morning after a serious exchange of fire.
An unidentified man was accidentally caught in the crossfire and shot dead.
Kathiani police boss Lazarus Taurus confirmed the incident.
Taurus said two of the gang were shot dead by the officers at Mukukuni while three others killed by same officers at Kathaana in Kathiani and Kangundo sub-counties respectively.
Police recovered a pistol, 15 rounds of ammunition, a laptop, several phones among other gadgets from the fallen gang.
"The five-man gang had been tracked by flying squad from Nairobi to Kangundo, there was a fierce exchange of fire between them and the police," said Tarus.
Taurus said the criminals had spent the night at a rented house in Tala market before dispatching to the two sub-counties for their criminal activities before police caught up with them.
The bodies were moved to Kangundo level four hospital mortuary.
Tarus said the flying squad had been trailing the criminals who have been terrorizing residents and traders.
Taurus called on police officers to be vigilant in a bid of eliminating criminals from the two Sub-counties especially during this festive season.
He said criminals should not seek refuge in Machakos County.