A former police officer was on Thursday night shot dead in Nakuru town following a raid on his home.

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Confirming the 11pm incident, Rift Valley CID boss Gideon Kibunjah said the officer, identified as Ben Kanyihwa Ndegwa, is believed to be behind cases of armed robberies targeting vehicles and transit goods in the town.

Kibunjah said the deceased engaged officers in a shootout before he was overpowered and killed.

According to Capital FM, three vehicles, a motorcycle, an AK-47 rifle, a Ceska pistol, police and army uniforms which are all believed to have been stolen were recovered.

This comes as police launch a major crackdown in the country to tame crime ahead of the festive season.