By Robert Mutasi 
A midnight police operation along the Eldoret-Kiplombe Road ended in a deadly gun battle that left four suspected armed robbers dead, with detectives now pursuing two others believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the confrontation unfolded shortly after midnight on July 6 after officers on routine patrol received reports that six armed men, allegedly dressed in military-style clothing, were attacking motorists and other members of the public in Uasin Gishu County.
According to police, the officers immediately moved to Greenfield Junction, where they spotted six individuals matching the description provided by witnesses.
Police said the officers ordered the group to stop and identify themselves, but the suspects allegedly ignored the commands and instead opened fire.
“The suspects were ordered to stop and identify themselves; however, they defied the lawful orders and opened fire on the officers. The officers responded decisively to the imminent threat, engaging the armed suspects in a shootout,” the National Police Service said.
The exchange of gunfire left four suspects fatally wounded at the scene, while two others escaped into nearby areas. Investigators believe the fleeing suspects sustained injuries during the confrontation, and a manhunt has been launched to locate them.
The operation has intensified investigations into what police believe is an organized criminal network operating across several counties in the North Rift.
Preliminary findings indicate the suspects may be linked to a string of violent robberies reported in Eldoret, Kitale, Kapenguria, Nandi and Marakwet, raising concerns over coordinated criminal activities targeting residents and motorists across the region.
Detectives recovered several items from the scene that they believe were used in criminal operations.
Among the exhibits seized were a loaded pistol, a wedge mallet, a wedge chisel, five mobile phones, four identification cards, manila ropes and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The recovered tools are commonly associated with forced entry into homes and business premises, and investigators are expected to examine the mobile phones and identification documents for evidence that could link the suspects to previous crimes.
Police have also launched forensic examinations on the firearm to determine whether it was used in other criminal incidents.
The National Police Service said the operation demonstrates its continued efforts to dismantle armed criminal gangs and improve security across the North Rift, where cases of highway robberies and violent attacks have remained a concern in recent months.
“The National Police Service remains resolute in its mission to protect life and property and urges members of the public to remain vigilant and to continue sharing timely information that supports efforts to combat crime and enhance the safety and security of all,” the service said.
Police added that officers will maintain round-the-clock patrols to deter criminal activities and respond swiftly to security threats.
Authorities have appealed to residents to report suspicious individuals or activities through the nearest police station or official reporting channels, including emergency numbers 999 and 911, the DCI’s anonymous reporting line and the designated WhatsApp tip-off service.
Investigations are continuing as detectives work to identify the deceased suspects, trace the two fugitives and establish the full extent of the gang’s operations across the North Rift region.
Baraka Simba