Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers shot dead a notorious gang leader in Igembe North, Meru, during a gun battle in the early hours of Saturday. The incident occurred hours after Inspector General Douglas Kanja announced a major security operation in four bandit-prone counties. Four other suspects fled the scene.
In the early hours of March 21, 2026, in Linjoka sub-location, Igembe North, a joint patrol of DCI officers and local police encountered a group of about five men suspected of criminal activities. When challenged, the suspects opened fire, prompting officers to return fire in self-defence, leading to an intense shootout. One gang leader was fatally shot in the head, while four others escaped into the darkness, still armed. The DCI stated: 'In the intense exchange that followed, one suspect was fatally neutralised; shot in the head while the remaining four fled into the darkness, still armed and dangerous.' The deceased was identified as a notorious gang leader linked to a series of crimes that had terrorised residents in Igembe North and nearby areas. At the scene, officers recovered a Beretta pistol loaded with three live rounds and one spent cartridge. The body was taken to Nyambene Subcounty Hospital mortuary for post-mortem. Investigations continue with a manhunt for the fugitives. This came hours after Inspector General Douglas Kanja, that Saturday morning, dispatched a team to parts of Meru including Buuri East, Tigania East and West, and Igembe North, Central and Mutuati to address rising crime. Kanja said: 'Cattle have been stolen, several lives have been lost, and injuries have been reported. This is totally unacceptable and must be eradicated.' The multi-agency operation aims to recover stolen cattle and seize illegal firearms.
