Murder investigations have been launched after an autopsy on the body of a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officer who was initially believed to have died by suicide at Nakuru National Park ruled out the possibility of self-inflicted injuries.
Police said the autopsy had opened a new line of investigation into the circumstances surrounding the officer's death.
The post-mortem examination was conducted on Thursday at Umash Funeral Home in Nakuru by pathologist Dr Titus Ngulungu on the body of Corporal Leonard Ochieng Odero, who was attached to the KWS Honeymoon Camp within Nakuru National Park.
According to the pathologist's findings, the officer sustained three fatal gunshot wounds.
The first bullet entered through the rear of the skull and exited through the mouth, shattering the jaws.
A second gunshot entered through the left side of the back rib cage and exited through the left chest, while a third struck the left shoulder from the front and exited through the back, shattering the upper left arm.
Dr Ngulungu concluded that the cause of death was massive blood loss coupled with severe head and chest injuries.
Officials said the pathologist determined that the pattern of injuries was inconsistent with a self-inflicted shooting, effectively dismissing the earlier theory that Corporal Odero had taken his own life.
The findings prompted investigators to revisit the case and re-examine the scene as a possible crime scene.
Police said further investigations are underway to establish the circumstances under which the KWS officer sustained the fatal gunshot wounds.
The death was initially reported as a suspected suicide after the officer was found with gunshot injuries at the KWS facility within the national park on June 23.
Police officers who visited the scene established that the officer was found dead inside his house.
Authorities said he had been issued with a service rifle and ammunition while on duty.
Investigators recovered several spent cartridges at the scene and also found a handwritten note believed to have been authored by the deceased.
The note was reportedly addressed to close family members and contained personal instructions.
Police said the circumstances at the scene raised questions that prompted further investigations.
Police revisited the scene on Thursday.
Crime Scene Investigation officers processed the scene, documenting it and collecting evidence for further analysis.
Police secured the firearm as an exhibit and moved the body to Umash Funeral Home pending the post-mortem examination.
Sources indicated that the officer had been transferred to Nakuru National Park from Aberdare National Park about six weeks ago.
Police said detectives are pursuing fresh leads following the autopsy report. The motive remains unknown.
