Editor's Review

The pastor was found armed with a toy pistol and a sharp double-edged dagger.

Police in Kitui have shot dead a pastor who was caught red-handed in a robbery incident in the area.

According to preliminary reports, the pastor came under a hail of police bullets which neutralised him instantly.

His accomplice who was also at the scene of the crime escaped with gunshot wounds. Police believe that the accomplice is a fellow worshipper in Kitui.

File image of a police vehicle at a past crime scene. PHOTO | COURTESY

The pastor was found armed with a toy pistol, a sharp double-edged dagger and a fake police radio communication gadget while his accomplice who is on the run is believed to be armed with a real gun.

They were caught in action trying to rob a wholesale shop in the area when police immediately responded by the suspects ignored calls to surrender prompting the security officers to shoot.

The two had planned to escape using a motorbike before the police responded, leaving the pastor dead.

A manhunt has since been launched to find the accomplice who is believed to be armed and dangerous.

By the time of this publication, the identity and the church the deceased serves had not been identified. However, detectives are working on the case to track other members of the gang reportedly robbing Kitui residents.