Two National Police Service officers have lost their lives after being electrocuted during an installation exercise at Ainamoi Police Station in Kericho County.
The Thursday, June 26, incident occurred as the officers- one reportedly attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the other from the general police service- were mounting a radio signal mast within the station’s compound.
According to preliminary reports, the mast gave way under its weight, collapsing onto nearby live power lines.
A local administration officer confirmed that the officers died instantly after the structure came into contact with the overhead electricity cables.
In addition, a local technician who was assisting in the installation suffered minor injuries from a mild electric shock and was rushed to Ainamoi Health Centre, where he is receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
The bodies of the two officers were moved from the scene and are believed to have been taken to Lazarus Funeral Home at Siloam Hospital in Kericho town. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
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Number of police officers who have died since 2022
The two officers who died by electrocution in Ainamoi join a growing list of more than 1,200 police officers who have lost their lives since the last NPS recruitment in 2022.
While appearing before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security in May, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja revealed that 1,206 police officers have died over the past three years.
He further noted that more than 4,000 officers have exited the service during the same period.
These exits include 326 who resigned, 289 who were dismissed from service, 2,563 who went on mandatory retirement, 95 who retired under the 12–20 years rule, and 58 who left after turning 50.
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In addition, 30 officers were removed on grounds of public interest, while two others exited the service due to medical reasons.
In total, 4,569 officers have left the NPS, with most of the departures coming from the Kenya Police Service.
The NPS comprises the Kenya Police Service, the Administration Police Service, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Kanja told MPs that the high attrition has affected day-to-day operations and left gaps in critical areas of policing, putting pressure on the remaining personnel to meet the country’s growing security demands.
“The attrition of 4,569 officers from NPS since the last recruitment exercise in 2022 has significant implications for staffing levels, operational capacity, and strategic planning within the service,” the IG said.
The police boss further cited challenges such as overworked officers, slow response during emergencies, gaps in investigations, and limited presence in routine patrols.
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