Police stopped an attempted robbery with violence at Mikinduri market in Tigania East, Meru, on Sunday night.
OCPD Samuel Kosgey said they responded immediately but that the suspects escaped the police dragnet.
They confronted the two suspects at a petrol station in the market where they had attacked Robby Muchui at about 7pm.
“We are not sure if Muchui is an attendant, a customer of the owner of the station. The thugs assaulted him with a pen knife and stole his Sh7,000,” Kosgey said by phone on Sunday.
He said the man was treated at Mikinduri sub-county hospital and discharged and that investigations were launched.
A resident identified only as Muthee said it was astonishing for thieves to have the courage to attempt to steal as early as 7 pm.
Resident James Mutwiri, who is also the chairman of the area’s boda boda operators’ association, said the suspects shot in the air when they realised their plan had been punctured.
“Several gun shots were heard during the robbery. We are living in fear. Security at Mikinduri is compromised. There is need for more action.”
He said insecurity incidences had escalated.