A police officer attached to the Special Police Intercept and Verification (SPIV) unit was fatally shot on Wednesday evening in Cravers area, Thika, Kiambu County, during a routine patrol.
The slain officer was part of a four-man patrol team that stopped a boda boda rider whose motorcycle lacked a unique registration code mandated for legitimate commercial operators within Thika town.
According to police sources, a confrontation ensued after one of the officers removed the ignition key from the motorcycle. In a sudden turn of events, the rider drew a pistol and shot the officer in the throat before the others could react.
The gunman then fled the scene, reportedly hijacking another motorcycle at gunpoint near Royal Hotel, and sped off before backup could arrive.
The injured officer was rushed to Thika Nursing Home, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
As of Thursday morning, the National Police Service (NPS) had not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. However, sources within the force confirm that investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend the suspect.
The killing has raised serious security concerns, particularly about the growing number of illegally armed individuals operating under the guise of boda boda riders, and the risks facing officers enforcing transport regulations in volatile urban areas.
