Suspected Meru gang leader killed in police shootout

A suspected gang leader was shot dead while four others escaped following a gunfight with police officers in Igembe North, Meru County, in the early hours of Saturday.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the incident occurred at about 2am in Shauri Yako area, Linjoka sub-location, when a joint patrol team from Laare Police Station encountered a group of five men hey said were "lurking with sinister intent."

Police said the officers, drawn from the Kenya Police Service (KPS) and DCI, challenged the group, prompting the suspects to open fire. The officers returned fire, fatally injuring one of the suspects, while four others fled the scene.

The deceased was identified as Mutembei Kola, whom police described as a suspected gang leader linked to a series of criminal activities in Igembe North sub-county.

Officers recovered a Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of ammunition and one spent cartridge at the scene.

The body was moved to Nyambene Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where it is awaiting post-mortem examination.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the four suspects who escaped and are believed to be armed.