Gang member behind bodaboda theft in Meru killed during a shootout with police

MERU, Kenya, Nov 2 – Police on Monday said they had killed a man whom they described as a “notorious gangster” in Meru County, during a shoot out.

Two of his accomplices, authorities said, managed to escape during the incident that occurred in Mutuati area.

According to commanding officer Laare police station, Ezra Sambu, the gangster was part of syndicate of “bodaboda robbers that have been terrorizing residents across Igembe North.”

Police said the gang had shot an unarmed man on Sunday, before stealing three motorcycles in Muthara, Tigania East.

“Once our intelligence traced them in Mutuati we quickly conducted an operation and cornered them. A shootout ensued and we managed to gun down the leader. Two others however escaped with gunshot wounds on stolen bodabodas,” he said.

The escaped suspects are said to be hiding within Mutuati and police are already conducting a manhunt for them.

Gun wielding robbers on bodabodas are said to be a menace in the area and threatening the lives of residents.

Residents have meanwhile been advised to cooperate by police by providing information that might lead to their arrest.