Officials are investigating an incident where a police recruit collapsed and died while undergoing training sessions at the National Police Service Campus, Kiganjo College in Nyeri County.
This was the second such case to happen in two weeks. The latest incident involved police recruit Isaac Munyasia Mulongo who collapsed as he was doing some cool down stretches at Kamukunji ground within the college after a morning run from Chaka route.
The incident happened on February 18, 2026 in the morning, police said.
He collapsed before he was rushed to the college dispensary where he was referred to the Nyeri County Level Five hospital where he died while being attended to.
Police said the body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy. Officials said such deaths are common in the training sessions.
The officials said in normal circumstances, up to two percent of the recruits die in such training sessions.
On February 6, 2026, another recruit died while on a morning run at Kahawa area along Kiganjo-Kingongo road.
He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Another recruit died in similar circumstances at the General Service Unit field in Magadi, Kajiado County. Police said the recruit identified as Cheme Chombo Cheme died on January 31, 2026.
Police said the victim was undertaking a recruit course at GSU Field Campus – Magadi when he developed sudden unconsciousness and was rushed to Magadi hospital for treatment and later referred to Kenyatta National Hospital for further treatment.
He was pronounced dead on arrival.
The latest incident increases to five, the number of recruits so far dead since they joined police colleges in December 2025.
The other incidents happened in Kiganjo Campus and Embakasi one. On January 18, 2026, a recruit died while undergoing treatment at the Administration Police Training College (APTC) A-Campus in Embakasi, Nairobi.
The victim first sought medical attention complaining of chest pain, dizziness, cough and fatigue before he died.
A similar tragedy happened at the military when three Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) recruits died after developing medical complications during a routine training exercise at the Defence Forces Recruits Training School (DFRTS) in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
KDF said the incident occurred on January 29, 2026, during a scheduled endurance exercise.
“The recruits developed medical complications while participating in a routine endurance exercise,” the military said.
According to KDF, immediate first aid was administered by on-site medical personnel before the affected recruits were evacuated to Eldoret Regional Hospital for specialised treatment. However, despite what the military described as “concerted efforts” by medical teams, the three were pronounced dead.
The next of kin have been formally notified, and KDF said it is providing the necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families.
“The Kenya Defence Forces conveys its deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, fellow recruits and colleagues of the deceased during this difficult time,” the statement read.
KDF said it launched a thorough investigation in line with established military procedures to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The findings, the military said, will guide any measures required to enhance the safety and welfare of personnel undergoing training.
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