Police reservist kills pregnant ex-wife, dies by suicide in Lamu

A member of the National Police Reserve (NPR) shot and killed his former wife before turning the gun on himself in Kiunga, Lamu County.

The two had divorced, officials said.

The NPR officer also shot and injured a female relative who was in the house during the rage on June 16, 2025, police and witnesses said.

Lamu East Deputy Commissioner George Kubai said police responded to gunshots at the home of Shaffie Swaleh Bwana, 29, and rushed there only to find his body lying outside his compound.

The body was found beside an AK-47 rifle, which had 23 bullets and an extra magazine with 30 bullets.

He was found motionless in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to the throat and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His former wife, identified as Najma Athman, 40, was found lying in the house with bullet wounds to the cheek and stomach. She was also rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead on arrival, police said.

Police suspect the NPR officer intentionally targeted the unborn baby.

The other victim had bullet wounds in the chest and was admitted in critical condition.

She told police the reservist shot her. The motive for the shooting was not immediately known.

The bodies were moved to the mortuary pending investigations.

The death could be linked to trauma, which is rampant among many members of the NPR.

Like the police and other members of the disciplined services, NPR officers are exposed to issues that leave them traumatized.

They usually conduct police functions in villages, particularly in areas deemed dangerous, including near the Kenya-Somalia border.

The government has rolled out a training program targeting the group. There are also plans to improve their pay and equipment.

Elsewhere in Chonyi, Kilifi County, one Patrick Ngala Kiiti, 20, was found dead after a suspected suicide.

His body was found hanging from a mango tree near their home on Monday afternoon.

The motive for the incident is yet to be known.

The body was moved to the mortuary pending autopsy.

Cases of suicide have been on the rise amid efforts to contain the trend.