A police officer was shot dead and two others seriously injured in a brazen attack by an armed gang in the Free Area of Nakuru town early Monday morning.
According to authorities, the incident occurred at around 1:29 a.m. as a team of officers from Bondeni Police Station was conducting a routine patrol. The officers were ambushed by a group of unidentified assailants who opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
One officer succumbed to gunshot wounds at the scene, while two of his colleagues sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Nakuru Level Five Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. The identities of the injured officers have not yet been released, but hospital sources say they are in stable condition.
Confirming the incident, Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara said swift action by the police led to the arrest of several suspects by morning. “We have already made some arrests, and an AK-47 rifle believed to have been used in the attack was recovered from the scene,” Kibaara said.
The motive behind the attack is still under investigation, though authorities suspect it may be linked to increased gang activity in the area. Free Area, which lies along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, has in recent months been flagged as a hotspot for criminal activity, including robberies and illicit drug operations.
The attack has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of law enforcement officers, especially those working night shifts in high-crime zones. Security has since been heightened in Nakuru town, with more officers deployed to pursue the remaining suspects and dismantle the gang network.
The body of the fallen officer has been moved to the Nakuru County Mortuary, and preparations for a formal police funeral are underway.
Commissioner Kibaara urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by sharing any information that may lead to further arrests. “We will not rel
