A police sergeant has been detained following a fatal shooting during a confrontation over a woman at Flax market in Elgeyo Marakwet county on Thursday night.
The incident unfolded outside a pub where the officer discharged his weapon during a heated exchange involving the victim and others present.
Samwel Otieno, head of Keiyo South DCI, confirmed that 25-year-old Philemon Salwa Mugambi succumbed to injuries at Moi Referral Hospital after being shot by AP Sergeant Justus Kirimi, stationed at the Railways AP camp near Flax center.
"We have arrested the officer and taken the gun from him," Otieno stated. The officer used a pistol to fire a fatal shot to the victim's head, according to witnesses who reported he was inside the pub when the dispute began.
The confrontation escalated as the officer and Mugambi argued over a woman present at the scene. Other individuals attempted to intervene before the officer drew his weapon.
"In the argument, the officer drew his gun and shot the young man," Otieno said. The officer sustained injuries during the clash but was later discharged after medical treatment.
The woman and multiple witnesses have provided statements to authorities. Otieno confirmed an investigation is underway ahead of the officer's court appearance.
Elgeyo Marakwet County Police Commander Kennedy Kimani urged both citizens and officers to avoid vigilantism, emphasizing that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
