An Australian man was shot dead on Sunday, by suspected robbers, some of them in police uniform, in the upmarket Runda estate of Nairobi, Kenya. The man identified as Patrick John Richer, 39, was the creative director of an international advertising agency and had been working in Africa for about a decade. He along with his Kenyan wife, Lesili Richer had moved into the house only two months back. The robbers, who shot Mr Richer twice in his chest escaped with television, phones and two laptops.

Kenyan newspaper, The Daily Nation, quoted Nairobi police commander Benson Kibue saying that there were about 10 people who attacked Mr Richer, a former Sydney resident.

Police said, six of the attackers were dressed in police uniform. They raided Mr Richer's home at about 1.40 am on Sunday.

Mr Richer was rushed to the Aga Khan Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival. His wife was also at home during the time of the robbery, but was not injured.

Police suspect that the gunmen cut through the rear fence and tied up a number of guards before raiding the house. Interestingly, the police said the house where the attack happened had been the target of three robberies in the last year.

No arrests have been made over the attack and police are trying to ascertain whether the suspects in police uniform were indeed officers.

Tim Smyth, from Tbwa Flame Tree Advertising, the agency with which Mr Richer worked, told local media that he was a "wonderful person" who had been working for the company for about five years.

"He has travelled across Africa to represent lots of companies and lots of brands and has worked with many, many, many young Kenyans to help them grow their skills and their passion for advertising and creativity," Mr Smyth said.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Mr Richer had a near death experience seven years back. In Dec 2006, Mr Richer was one of the four passengers in a safari vehicle which had a head-on collision with a truck. Mr. Richer had escaped with a fractured spine.

Reports say the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in touch with Mr Richer's family and offering consular support.