A police officer has been stabbed to death while another senior officer was injured following a violent altercation at Salama Police Post in Laikipia West Constituency on Friday evening.
Police Constable Victor Chesang’ Mengich, 42, allegedly attacked and fatally stabbed his colleague, Police Constable Abel Kivoto Kimanzi, during a confrontation that escalated into violence while they were on duty.
According to preliminary police reports, the incident unfolded near Salama shopping centre when the two officers became involved in a physical altercation. Members of the public were alerted by distress calls coming from the police post.
The officer in charge of Salama Police Post, Sergeant Wahome Muigai Muiruri, was at the nearby shopping centre when he heard the commotion. He rushed to the scene and found the two officers wrestling.
Witnesses said PC Mengich was armed with a knife and, moments later, stabbed PC Kimanzi on the left side of the abdomen. The injured officer collapsed and bled profusely, succumbing to his injuries at the scene.
Sgt Muigai, assisted by another officer identified as Morris Mugambi, attempted to restrain the assailant but sustained injuries during the struggle. The two officers suffered head and arm injuries while trying to subdue the attacker.
Members of the public intervened and helped overpower PC Mengich, restraining him with handcuffs before rushing him and Sgt Muigai to Salama Dispensary for first aid. They were later referred to Nyahururu County Referral Hospital for further treatment.
Sgt Muigai was treated and discharged, while PC Mengich was detained at Nyahururu Police Station after receiving medical attention as investigations into the incident were launched.
Officers from Nyahururu Police Station processed the scene before transferring the body of the deceased officer to Pope Benedict XVI Catholic Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits post-mortem examination.
PC Kimanzi’s death has shocked colleagues and the wider community, coming just weeks after he was honoured for exemplary service. On December 9, 2025, he was among 20 police officers recognised by the Chandaria Foundation during the annual Chandaria Bravery Awards.
The ceremony was held at the National Police Service headquarters and presided over by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, celebrating officers who demonstrated outstanding courage and dedication in the line of duty.
Police have since launched a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances and motive behind the fatal altercation.
