Security personnel have killed a suspected cattle rustler and recovered two guns in Laikipia West sub-County of Laikipia County.

Two AK-47 rifles and 13 rounds of ammunition were also recovered during the incident in Kamwenje shopping centre, according to Laikipia County Commissioner Daniel Nyameti.

He said that the deceased was part of a gang of bandits that had raided the area where they broke into several shops and stole goods of unknown value.

“The gang of rustlers that we believe is part of many that have been terrorizing the residents had carried out a raid in the shopping centre and broke into two shops at night prompting our security forces to be on high alert.

“A fierce fire exchange ensued and one of the criminals was killed as several others escaped,” Nyameti said.

Nyameti urged hospitals to report any incidents of people seeking treatment over gunshot injuries, besides offering the necessary assistance.

“Our officers are hot on their trail and have cast their nets wider, to local health centres and surrounding hospitals where the bandits are believed to be seeking medication to nurse their wounds,” the administrator said.

The killing of the bandit has created fear in people who feel that the bandits might attack them in retaliatory.

“We are fearing that the bandits might attack us in revenge. We are, therefore, calling on security personnel to improve patrols to prevent any retaliatory incident from taking place,” said George Mwangi.

The county commissioner assured the residents that security in the area has been beefed up and urged them to report suspicious characters to authorities.

The body of the slain bandit is lying at the Nyahururu County Referral hospital mortuary.