Seven suspected gangsters were Tuesday shot dead after a gunfight near Makutano market in Kirinyaga County.
Police were trailing the gangsters believed to have been involved in a series of violent robberies in Nairobi and caught up with them in Kirinyaga.
The officers blocked the car of the suspects and ordered them to surrender but they defied and drew out pistols and started shooting.
It was then that a fierce gun battle started causing panic in the usually busy market.
GUNSHOTS
Traders who were caught unaware by the dramatic fight hurriedly closed their shops while vendors fled as gunshots rent the air.
Witnesses said the seven were travelling in one car, which was suddenly blocked by two police vehicles.
They said the gangsters attempted to run away as the fight intensified.
They were shot dead as they attempted to flee and police recovered two loaded pistols and 10 mobile phones.
Kirinyaga County Police Commander David Kirui was among the first senior police officers to arrive at the scene.
He said the suspects, who are yet to be identified were followed from Nairobi.
“Officers acting on information trailed the suspects who were heading towards Nyeri and gunned them down,” said Mr Kirui.
The bodies of the slain men were taken away by police
