Fatal Altercation in Kitale: Policeman Shoots and Kills Prison Officer at Liquor Shop

Tensions gripped Kitale town on Monday following a tragic altercation at a local liquor shop, resulting in the death of a Kenya Prison Service officer. The incident unfolded when an Administration Police (AP) officer opened fire, fatally shooting the prison officer, who served as a driver at Kitale Main Prison.

Details surrounding the shooting remain murky, with authorities yet to ascertain the exact trigger for the deadly confrontation, which occurred at approximately 4 pm near the Kitale law courts. Eyewitnesses reported that an argument preceded the shooting, during which the armed suspect discharged his pistol at the prison officer.

In a distressing turn of events, the AP officer also turned the weapon on himself, inflicting injuries in an attempted suicide. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as patrons, including another prison officer, fled the liquor shop in fear.

As the situation escalated, nearby shopkeepers shuttered their establishments and sought refuge from the unfolding violence. Witnesses recounted nearly half an hour of tense standoff, during which the assailant purportedly threatened harm to anyone in proximity.

Law enforcement officers, including fellow policemen, attempted to defuse the situation to no avail. Eventually, they cautiously approached the scene, discovering both the deceased officer and the assailant incapacitated.

Subsequent efforts saw the constable disarmed, handcuffed, and swiftly transported to Kitale County Hospital for urgent medical attention, nursing wounds to his hand and leg. Officials, including Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Mr. Gideon Oyagi and Trans Nzoia West OCPD Patrick Gaitariria, visited the scene to assess the situation.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) initiated forensic procedures at the site before the deceased officer’s body was transferred to the Kitale County morgue. Investigations into the tragic incident are underway, as authorities seek to unravel the circumstances leading to the fatal shooting that has left the community in shock and mourning.