Police shot dead one suspect while three others escaped unhurt at Tayari Estate in the outskirts of Molo Town.
The four are suspected to be members of a gang that has been terrorizing residents in Molo town and surrounding estates by breaking into houses and business premises where they have made away with cash and various items.
Led by Paul Itume, the residents said the suspects have been forcing them to open their doors in the cover of darkness claiming to be police officers conducting a search.
“The gang comes in a group of ten and identify themselves as police officers. They are armed with machetes and crude weapons which they use to break into houses of those who defy their orders,” Itume said.
The family of Sofia Wangari was attacked on Sunday night by the same gang which broke her door using huge bushstones and commanded her husband to lie flat on the floor.
“They broke the door after we refused to open for them claiming to be police officers. One of them threatened to shoot my husband while the rest were packing our property in bags before neighbours came to our rescue,” Sofia said.
During this incident her husband was beaten up for resisting them before the gang headed to the next house where they were caught up with by police officers who shot dead one of them.
Confirming the incident, Molo Sub County Administration Police Commandant Joseph Tum said they have been pursuing the suspects for a long time.
Tum congratulated the residents for their support to the police by volunteering information that has assisted in the fight against insecurity in the area.
“We have launched a manhunt for the rest of the criminals and shall ensure there is increased patrols in the residential areas to boost security,” Tum said.
Cases of insecurity have been on the rise within Molo town and its outskirts while residents say they are living in fear and forcing them to close their businesses earlier than usual.