Residents from Kitale town in Trans Nzoia County were left in shock after a police officer shot dead another officer at a liquor shop within the town.
The incident which happened on Monday, February 26, involved an Administration Police (AP) Officer pulling the trigger which resulted to the tragic demise.
In a shocking turn of events, it is reported that the officer opened fire inside a local liquor shop located in the township, claiming the life of a fellow officer attached to the Kenya Prison Service in a tragic act of violence.
The victim who has been identified as a driver at Kitale Main Prison, had been awaiting the transfer of remand prisoners from the Kitale Law Courts to the prison when the confrontation unfolded.
However, it is not yet clear what sparked the shooting, which is reported to have taken place at around 4pm next to the law courts.
Witnesses recounted a heated argument escalating into gunfire, with the suspect who had himself armed with a pistol leaving the people around the streets adjacent to the Kitale law courts in shock and disbelief.
“I saw people running for safety as the shooting intensified. I don’t know what happened inside the bar,” said an eyewitness.
Residents flee for safety
As patrons of the establishment which included a fellow officer sought refuge and shopkeepers hastily secured their businesses, the suspect allegedly threatened to harm anyone in the vicinity after the shooting.
Also Read: Family of Senior Kenyan Police Officer Who Died in US Reveals Investigation Details
In addition, the harrowing scene unfolded rapidly leaving law enforcement agencies scrambling to contain the incident.
For nearly thirty minutes, chaos reigned as law enforcement officers cautiously approached the scene, attempting to reason with the armed assailant amidst the looming threat of further violence.
The assailant further went on to turn the weapon on himself in a failed attempt at self-inflicted harm.
With tensions reaching a boiling point, authorities moved swiftly to disarm the suspect, bringing an end to the carnage that had gripped the town.
They moved in after realizing that the two, the deceased officer and the assailant, were lying down.
The constable was successfully disarmed before being handcuffed and rushed to Kitale County Hospital with wounds to his leg and hand.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) processed the scene before the body of the prison officer was taken to Kitale County morgue.
Authorities have since launched a thorough investigation, determined to uncover the truth and deliver justice to those affected by the tragic events that unfolded in broad daylight.
Officer Killed
Meanwhile, in a separate but equally distressing incident, an officer from the DCI was among two people killed on Monday night in Riat area of Kisumu West sub-county.
Also Read: Patient Shoots Himself Dead Inside Hospital in South B
The two were reportedly stabbed to death by suspected criminals in different locations and incidents within the Riat area at around 11 pm as the duo was on their way home.
In the first incident, a 20-year-old man, fell prey to a gang of assailants who ambushed him on a motorbike, inflicting fatal stab wounds before fleeing into the darkness.
He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
In the second incident, the 42-year-old male DCI officer who is based in Nairobi also succumbed to the violence, becoming the target of the same gang as he made his way home.
DCI officers in Kisumu West sub-county have since launched investigations into the matter as the four suspects remain at large.
