One shot dead, 4 escape following a gunfire exchange with DCI officers
By Cynthia Lodite, March 21, 2026One man has been shot dead, as four others escaped following a heated gunfire exchange with the officers drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in the Shauri Yako area of Meru County.
In a statement on Saturday, March 21, 2026, the DCI confirmed that the operation was led by a joint patrol team from Laare Police Station, comprising KPS and DCI officers.
“In the dead of night on 21/03/2026 at approximately 0200 hrs, a fearless joint patrol team from Laare Police Station, comprising gallant KPS and DCI officers, turned a routine patrol into a decisive strike against terror in the Shauri Yako area, Linjoka sub-location, Igembe North Sub-County, Meru County,” DCI said.
According to the officers, they encountered a shadowy group of at least five young men who acted suspiciously, and after a lawful challenge, the persons of interest unleashed a hail of gunfire at the officers.
“The officers encountered a shadowy group of approximately five young men lurking with sinister intent. Upon lawful challenge, the suspects unleashed a hail of gunfire at the brave officers, missing their targets by sheer providence,” DCI stated.
The DCI explained that, undeterred and in swift defence of life and duty, the officers returned fire with precision and resolve. In the intense exchange that followed, one person of interest was fatally neutralised; shot in the head while the remaining four fled into the darkness, still armed and dangerous.
From the scene, officers recovered one Beretta Gardone pistol, loaded with three live rounds of ammunition and one spent cartridge, a chilling exhibit of the threat the persons of interest posed to innocent residents.
Meanwhile, according to the DCI, the deceased has been positively identified, and the body has been moved to Nyambene Sub-County Hospital mortuary, preserved pending post-mortem examination.
Likewise, DCI has announced that investigations are in full swing, and a massive manhunt is underway to hunt down the fleeing accomplices.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations stands resolute: criminal elements will find no sanctuary. We salute the bravery of our officers who risked everything to protect communities and deliver swift justice,” DCI added.