A tragic incident has rocked Kiunga in Lamu County after a National Police Reservist (NPR) officer fatally shot his pregnant ex-wife before turning the gun on himself. The horrifying event occurred on June 16, 2025, and has since sparked a renewed focus on mental health and trauma among security personnel.
Authorities report that the two individuals, 29-year-old Shaffie Swaleh Bwana and 40-year-old Najma Athman, had previously divorced. Witnesses and police said that the reservist stormed into Athman’s house and opened fire, shooting her in the cheek and stomach. A female relative who was also in the house sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and is currently hospitalized in critical condition. She later confirmed to police that the reservist was the shooter.
Police responded swiftly to reports of gunfire, only to find Bwana’s lifeless body outside his compound. Next to him lay an AK-47 rifle loaded with 23 bullets and an additional magazine carrying 30 more rounds. He had a gunshot wound to the throat and was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Investigators suspect the attack may have been premeditated, with Bwana possibly targeting the unborn child. Athman was rushed to the hospital but, like Bwana, was pronounced dead on arrival. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, but authorities are exploring various angles, including the possibility of unresolved domestic conflict or mental distress.
The incident has again highlighted the emotional burden shouldered by NPR officers. Often deployed in volatile areas, especially near the Kenya-Somalia border, they face high-risk situations with limited support. Although they perform functions similar to regular police, they often lack sufficient training, mental health support, and equipment. These shortcomings are believed to contribute to rising cases of violence, trauma, and even suicide among members of the service.
To address these issues, the government has initiated a training program specifically for NPR officers and is considering better pay and equipment as part of a broader reform effort. However, advocates argue that more must be done to provide mental health care, counseling, and conflict resolution mechanisms for security personnel.
In a separate incident in Chonyi, Kilifi County, a 20-year-old man, Patrick Ngala Kiiti, was found dead in a suspected suicide. His body was discovered hanging from a mango tree near his home on Monday afternoon. The cause of his action remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
Both tragedies underscore the growing need for community support systems and accessible mental health services, especially in regions grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and limited health infrastructure.
