Police in Vihiga County have launched a manhunt for one of their own, who allegedly shot and killed a fellow officer while on duty at a government fertilizer depot in Esirabe, Luanda.
According to Luanda Sub-County Police Commander Richard Siele, the incident occurred late on Thursday night. The deceased officer, identified as Constable Nicholas Samoei, was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. His colleague, Constable Kevin Omondi, who was deployed at the same post, is suspected of carrying out the shooting before fleeing the scene.
Initially, Omondi is said to have reported that Samoei had taken his own life. However, investigators later dismissed the suicide claim, pointing out that the gunshot entered through the officer’s face and exited through the back of his head, suggesting foul play. Both officers’ firearms were recovered at the scene.
“Wananchi walituambia kwamba mwendo wa saa mbili, saa tatu usiku hawajui nini ilikuwa imetokea, lakini mwendo wa saa kumi waliposikia milio tofauti ya risasi na kuangalia, walipata kwamba officer alikuwa ameaga. Uchunguzi umebainisha kwamba hakuwa amejiua, bali aliuliwa,” Commander Siele explained.
Residents expressed shock and dismay at the incident, questioning how trained officers tasked with safeguarding the public could turn against each other. “Tuko na huzuni kwa kitendo ambacho kimetokea mahali hapa. Askari ni walinzi wetu, lakini sasa tunashuhudia mmoja akimuua mwenzake. Serikali inafaa kuangalia mambo kama haya,” said local resident Thomas Okwako.
The body of the deceased has since been transferred to the Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary, as investigations continue. Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and share any information that could lead to the arrest of the fugitive officer.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but security agencies have intensified efforts to trace Omondi. The shocking incident has reignited conversations about the psychological well-being of police officers and the need for stronger support systems within the National Police Service.
