The National Police Service (NPS) has launched a manhunt for a suspected criminal who fatally shot a police officer in Thika Town on Tuesday evening.
Constable Benard Koome Ithai, 32, was gunned down in the line of duty at Cravers area and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
In a statement issued Thursday, the NPS said officers responded swiftly to the incident and are currently pursuing critical leads with the help of members of the public.
“As a service, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and relatives of the fallen officer and assure them of our unwavering support during this time of profound sorrow,” NPS stated.
According to eyewitnesses, the officers had stopped a boda boda rider whose motorcycle lacked the mandatory registration code used to identify genuine operators in the town.
An eyewitness, said an argument broke out after one of the officers removed the motorcycle’s ignition key.
The rider reportedly overpowered Constable Koome, drew a firearm, and shot him in the throat at close range.
As the officers took cover, the gunman fled the scene on foot for several meters before commandeering another motorcycle that was ferrying a passenger near Royale Hotel.
A loaded magazine was recovered from the scene by investigators.
The NPS urged anyone with additional information that could help the investigation to report to the nearest police station.
“The National Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property across the country. We assure the public that we will continue to pursue and dismantle criminal networks to ensure the safety and security of all Kenyans, as well as residents and visitors,” NPS added.
Justice Kavedza described the investigations that followed as among the most extensive in Kenya’s counter-terrorism history, targeting not only the attackers but also their facilitators and financiers.
