A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon in Ndurumo, Rumuruti, Laikipia County, after a police officer shot and killed a civilian before turning the gun on himself in what police believe was a love triangle dispute.
Constable Peter Macharia Mwangi, who was attached to the Ndurumo patrol base, was on duty when the incident occurred on December 14, 2025. Police said the officer excused himself from duty to go to a nearby shop to buy food while carrying his G3 rifle.
At the shop, Mwangi found 29-year-old Benson Kipkemboi Chirchir, who was playing pool. According to police and witnesses, the officer shot Chirchir twice at close range, hitting him in the chest and hip. Chirchir died on the spot.
After the shooting, Mwangi walked back to the police station lines. He entered his house and shot himself in the chest. The bullet pierced through his body and damaged the wall of the house. His body was later found lying at the doorstep. No suicide note was recovered.
The two bodies were found about 150 metres apart. A bullet was recovered from Mwangi’s bed, and his rifle was found lying between his legs. Police also recovered three spent cartridges from the two scenes.
Colleagues of the officer said Mwangi had a dispute with Chirchir over a woman in the area, which is believed to have triggered the deadly incident.
The bodies were moved to the mortuary pending postmortem examinations and further procedures.
By Vivian K.