A police officer shot and killed a Kenya Prison Service officer at a liquor shop in Kitale town following an argument. The officer also shot and injured himself in an attempted suicide, according to police and witnesses.
The victim, a driver at Kitale Main Prison, was waiting to transport remand prisoners from Kitale Law Court to the prison. While waiting, he decided to have a drink at a liquor shop, where he was joined by the police officer on duty at the court.
The circumstances that led to the shooting, which occurred at 4 pm near Kitale Law Courts, remain unclear.
Patrons at the establishment, including another prison officer, fled the scene during the incident. Shopkeepers in the area closed their shops and sought safety as the suspect allegedly threatened harm to anyone nearby after the shooting.
Several fellow officers attempted to reason with the suspect, who was lying down with the deceased officer. Eventually, the officers disarmed the constable, handcuffed him, and rushed him to Kitale County Hospital with wounds to his hand and leg.
Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi and Trans Nzoia West police boss Patrick Gaitariria visited the scene, describing the incident as unfortunate. They announced ongoing investigations to determine the motive behind the shooting.
