Two police officers are dead following a shocking shooting incident at Ng’iya Police Post in Siaya County early Sunday morning, further fuelling concern over mental health and internal discipline within the National Police Service.
According to Gem Yala Sub-County Police Commander Charles Wafula, the fatal shooting occurred around 6 a.m. when Constable Martin Mwendwa allegedly turned his weapon on his superior, Corporal Chesise, the officer in charge of the post.
Armed with a G3 rifle, Mwendwa reportedly stormed the corporal’s residence and shot him multiple times in the chest and arms.
Attempts to flee the scene led him toward Ng’iya Girls’ High School, but his escape was short-lived — he was intercepted and fatally shot during a standoff with fellow officers.
Wafula said authorities are probing whether the incident stemmed from a personal disagreement or mental instability, noting that preliminary reports suggest Mwendwa fired in the air to deter colleagues who were pursuing him.
The bodies of both officers have been transferred to the Siaya County Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations as investigations continue.
This latest tragedy comes amid a troubling pattern of fatal altercations involving police officers — many suspected to be linked to psychological stress or substance abuse.
In February, an officer in Nairobi fatally shot his GSU colleague in Ruaraka after an argument outside a nightclub.
In March, a similar incident occurred at Gigiri Police Station, where an intoxicated officer opened fire in the station’s canteen, killing one and injuring another.
Mental health challenges within the police service have long been an open secret, with several cases reported each year.
Experts and human rights groups continue to urge the government to implement robust psychological support systems and periodic assessments to prevent such deadly internal breakdowns.
