Armed robbers escape police arrest in Nyeri

Police in Nyeri on Tuesday morning exchanged fire with suspected armed robbers who escaped their trap at Pembe Tatu estate.

Police officers had been trailing the two robbers since Monday and had laid a trap around Kamakwa area but the suspects escaped.

Nyeri Central police boss Muinde Kioko told the Nation that the gang comprising four members were planning to rob a private hospital when the police received a tip-off.

“The whole night we have trailing them until this morning when we caught up with them but they escaped when we cornered them,” he said.

According to Mr Kioko, the robbers opted to abandon their vehicle when they realized they were falling into the trap.

“They escaped into a tea plantation and fled on motor bikes when they got to the road. We will not rest until we arrest them,” he said.

Mr Kioko described the gang as dangerous saying they have been terrorising residents.

He linked the two to a series of robberies that occurred last year.

The police suspect the abandoned vehicle had been stolen but said they had contacted the Kenya Revenue Authority to ascertain its ownership

Pembe Tatu residents were traumatized following the exchange and gathered in small groups to discuss the morning incident.

Police recovered pangas and other weapons from the vehicle which was towed to Nyeri Central Police Station.

Mr Kioko urged residents to assist in apprehending the robbers by giving them information.

“Members of the public have been instrumental in our operations. If request anyone who could be having information on the robbers to come forward,” he said.

On Monday residents lynched a man caught stealing household items at Ngangarithi village in Nyeri town.