Siaya policeman shot dead by fellow officers after killing his senior
The Police Constable allegedly broke into the house of his senior, a Corporal, and fatally shot him multiple times.
What you need to know:
- The sound of gunfire alerted nearby officers prompting an immediate response.
- When reinforcement units arrived, the suspected resisted arrested, leading to the fatal confrontation.
A police officer was gunned down by his colleagues on Sunday morning after killing his senior at Ng’iya Police Post in Siaya County and defying arrest.
According to authorities, the incident involved Police Constable Martin Mwendwa who allegedly broke into the house of his senior, a Corporal Chesise, and fatally shot him multiple times using a G3 rifle.
The sound of gunfire alerted nearby officers prompting an immediate response.
Gem Sub-County Police Commander Charles Wafula confirmed that only two officers were stationed at the post at the time of the shooting.
“This morning, a police officer residing outside the post heard gunshots from within. Upon arriving at the scene, he found the suspect firing indiscriminately. He immediately called for reinforcements from the Officer Commanding Station at Kogelo Police Station,” said Mr Wafula.
Reinforcement units arrived shortly thereafter and attempted to arrest PC Mwendwa but he allegedly resisted, leading to the fatal confrontation.
According to Mr Wafula, the officer fled nearly a kilometre from the initial scene before being subdued, still armed with the rifle he used in the attack.
Mr Wafula said investigations have been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the deadly encounter between the two officers.
“The matter is under active investigation. We are working to establish what transpired between the two,” he said.
Mr Wafula urged officers to exercise restraint when handling firearms and highlighted the ongoing mental health sensitisation efforts by the National Police Service.
“The National Police Service is currently conducting mental health awareness campaigns across the country,” he said.
The bodies of the two officers were taken to the Siaya County Referral Hospital Mortuary.
Shocked residents described the suspect as a calm and approachable officer known for his engagement with the community.
“He is a quiet man who interacts freely with us. He even plays for the local football club. We are shocked by this incident. We hope the police will thoroughly investigate it,” said Akech Yinda, a resident.