Police in Kitale are investigating a disturbing incident in which a Kitale National Polytechnic student was shot and seriously injured by a police officer during an early morning altercation at Norec Shopping Centre in the Kibomet area.
According to police reports, the shooting occurred at around dawn on October 22, 2025, while the student and his friends were playing pool. Witnesses say a disagreement between the student and a man later identified as a police officer quickly escalated into violence.
Police Officer Arrested After Identification Parade
A police officer attached to Kitale Police Station has been arrested and detained in connection with the shooting. The suspect was positively identified by witnesses during an identification parade conducted on Thursday.
The witnesses reportedly recognized him as the person who opened fire during the confrontation. Investigators say the officer allegedly drew his firearm and shot the student at close range before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.
Responding officers recovered two spent 9mm cartridges and one bullet head near a pool table shop, confirming that a shooting had taken place.
Student Hospitalized in Critical Condition
The victim was rushed to Kijana Wamalwa Referral Hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the stomach.
Doctors at the facility say he is receiving intensive treatment as police continue their investigations.
Police spokespersons have confirmed that the matter is being treated as a criminal offence, and the officer in question will be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
Authorities Condemn the Shooting
Police have described the incident as isolated and assured the public that disciplinary and legal action will be taken if the officer is found culpable.
Trans Nzoia County security officials have also called for calm, saying the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) will be notified to ensure transparency and accountability in the probe.
