Two suspected thugs have been shot dead in a gun battle with police in Embu.
The two were among a group of four suspects who were accosted by police officers while on a robbery mission in Embu North.
According to Embu County Commissioner Eddysson Nyale, the four had broken into several shops in Embu North before police rounded them at Njukiri area on their way to Embu town.
Nyale said police tried to stop the suspects but they refused.
The police then proceeded to open fire at the group which responded with heavy gunfire.
Two of the suspected robbers died in the shoot-out while two others escaped.
The police boss said several theft items including crates of beer, shoes, bags and other items were recovered from the suspects.
"These gang has been terrorising locals in several parts of Embu, they have been stealing cows, goats and other items from locals but today two are down and we are looking for the other suspects who have escaped," Nyale said.
He disclosed that the thugs were using a Toyota fielder KCH 958D whose number plates had been concealed with cow dung.
The county commissioner said the police will not relent until all those involved in criminal activities are brought to book.
On his part, Embu County Commander Daniel Rukunga urged the suspects, who escaped with a gun to surrender it to authorities.
"I want to tell the suspects who have escaped to return that gun. We are pursuing them and we are stopping at nothing," Rukunga said.
Further, he encouraged members of the public to be vigilant and not to hesitate to report any cases of concern to the police.
Bodies moved to Embu hospital
The bodies of the felled thugs were taken to Embu Level Five Hospital mortuary as the manhunt for the accomplices continues.
The latest development comes at a time when police officers in Embu have intensified a crackdown on illegal alcohol businesses, drug barons and gangsters who have been terrorising locals in the county.
