A police officer shot and killed a 29-year-old man before he turned the gun on himself in a love triangle saga in Ndurumo, Rumuruti, Laikipia County.
The bodies of Constable Peter Macharia Mwangi and the civilian identified as Benson Kipkemboi Chirchir were found lying 150 meters apart after the Sunday, December 14, 2025, afternoon drama.
Mwangi was on duty at the Ndurumo patrol base and had excused himself to go to the nearby shop to buy food while armed with his G3 rifle.
It was then that 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’s line where he stayed and shot himself in the chest, police said.
He also died instantly as the bullet went through the chest and damaged the wall of his house.
His body was found on the door step 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.
On bullet was found on his bed. The rifle lay between his legs as the body lay in a pool of blood.
The 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 same. They are among others linked to trauma among many officers.
Officials say police are generally on the receiving end of all community problems. They are expected to maintain law and order in very difficult situations, besides 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 difficulties.
Other reasons are bullying, previous suicide attempts, history of suicide in a family, alcoholism and substance misuse, depression and bipolar disorder.
The government says efforts are being made to address the menace.
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