Crime scene
There was tragedy at a police post when a police officer shot and killed a 29-year-old man before turning the gun on himself in a suspected love triangle fiasco in Ndurumo, Rumuruti, Laikipia County.
According to police and witnesses, the bodies of Constable Peter Macharia Mwangi and the civilian, identified as Benson Kipkemboi Chirchir, were found lying 150 metres apart after the Sunday afternoon drama on December 14, 2025.
Mwangi was on duty at the Ndurumo patrol base and had excused himself to go to a nearby shop to buy food while armed with his G3 rifle when the incident happened, police said.
He went to a shop where Chirchir was playing pool and shot him twice at close range, police and witnesses said.
He shot him in the chest and hip, killing him instantly. He then walked back to the station lines, where he stayed, and shot himself in the chest, police said.
He also died instantly as the bullet went through his chest and damaged the wall of his house.
His body was found on the doorstep of the house, police said. No suicide note was found.
His colleagues said the officer had a dispute with the civilian over a woman in the area, which is believed to have triggered the murder and suicide.
One bullet was found on his bed. The rifle lay between his legs as his body lay in a pool of blood.
Police said they recovered three spent cartridges from both scenes.
The bodies were moved to the mortuary pending postmortem and other procedures.
Such cases have been on the rise among police officers amid efforts to address the issue.
They are, among others, linked to trauma among many officers.
Officials say police are generally on the receiving end of many community problems.
They are expected to maintain law and order in very difficult situations, while also putting their lives at risk.
Over the years, a spike in deaths in the service has been linked to trauma.
The World Health Organisation says such cases are attributed to joblessness, death, academic failures or pressures, legal difficulties and financial challenges.
Other reasons include bullying, previous suicide attempts, a history of suicide in the family, alcoholism and substance misuse, depression and bipolar disorder.
The issue has affected many members of the public amid campaigns to address it, and the government says efforts are being made to curb the menace.
