NAIROBI - Police killed three people trying to steal a truck near a United Nations complex and the nearby U.S. Embassy in Nairobi on Wednesday, police said, but staff at both sites said they were continuing with normal business soon afterwards. Many Kenyans and foreigners in Nairobi have been vigilant since Islamist gunmen attacked the Westgate shopping mall in the capital in September last year, leaving at least 67 people dead. Other attacks have targeted Nairobi and other areas since then.
"Police were trailing some criminals who wanted to car-jack a truck carrying electronics. Our officers were following them in a car and when they intercepted the criminals, they started firing at the officers," Nairobi Deputy Police Commander Moses Ombati said, adding three were fatally injured. He said there was no danger to the nearby U.N. compound. A U.S. official said Embassy staff had been told of gunshots and police activity near the Embassy but were also told to go about their business.