A suspected gang leader was shot dead in the early hours of Saturday after a fierce exchange of gunfire with police officers in Igembe North, Meru County, as four other suspects escaped and remain on the run.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the incident happened at around 2am in the Shauri Yako area of Linjoka sub-location, when a joint patrol team from Laare Police Station came across a group of five men they said were behaving suspiciously.
The officers, drawn from the Kenya Police Service (KPS) and the DCI, challenged the group, but the situation quickly turned violent.
“In the dead of night on 21/03/2026 at approximately 0200 hrs, a fearless joint patrol team from Laare Police Station, comprising gallant KPS and DCI officers, turned a routine patrol into a decisive strike against terror in the Shauri Yako area, Linjoka sub-location, Igembe North Sub-County, Meru County,” DCI said.
Police stated that upon being confronted, the suspects opened fire, forcing officers to respond.
“The officers encountered a shadowy group of approximately five young men lurking with sinister intent. Upon lawful challenge, the suspects unleashed a hail of gunfire at the brave officers, missing their targets by sheer providence,” DCI stated.
The officers returned fire, killing one of the suspects, who was later identified as Mutembei Kola. Authorities described him as a suspected gang leader linked to a string of criminal activities in the area.
“In the intense exchange that followed, one person of interest was fatally neutralised; shot in the head while the remaining four fled into the darkness, still armed and dangerous,” the statement added.
At the scene, officers recovered a Beretta Gardone pistol loaded with three rounds of ammunition and one spent cartridge.
Police said the weapon was a clear indication of the threat the group posed to residents.
The body of the deceased was taken to Nyambene Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where it is being held pending a post-mortem examination.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with detectives launching a manhunt for the four suspects who escaped.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations stands resolute: criminal elements will find no sanctuary. We salute the bravery of our officers who risked everything to protect communities and deliver swift justice,” DCI added.