A quiet night in the Jua Kali area of Turbo, Uasin Gishu County, turned tragic after a police officer allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend and her suspected lover in a dramatic confrontation at a local bar. The incident occurred around midnight at Kokwet Bar, reportedly owned by the female victim.
According to Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi, the officer attached to Tembelio Police Post in Ainabkoi Sub-county was off-duty when he confronted his girlfriend over suspicions of infidelity. Witnesses say a heated argument erupted between the two, drawing attention from patrons at the bar.
When the second victim, a male patron, attempted to mediate the situation, the officer reportedly drew his official firearm and opened fire, fatally shooting both the woman and the man on the spot.
“It appears the officer was acting out of jealousy and rage. He used his service weapon in a personal matter, which is completely unacceptable,” said Mwanthi.
The violent act sent panic through the establishment, prompting swift response from fellow police officers, who arrested and disarmed the suspect at the scene. The officer is now being held at a local police station in Eldoret as investigations continue.
The bodies of the deceased have since been moved to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
This incident has sparked outrage and concern over the mental health and emotional well-being of police officers, with many calling for stricter controls on firearm usage and better counseling support within the force. Residents have also demanded a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure justice is served.
“This was a horrific act that underscores the need for stronger checks within the police service,” a local human rights activist commented.
The National Police Service has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, but the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is expected to take over the case as it unfolds.
The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of domestic disputes when combined with access to firearms and unaddressed emotional instability.
