A General Service Unit (GSU) officer stationed at Mokowe GSU Camp in Lamu County reportedly shot and killed his wife and their five-year-old daughter before turning the gun on himself in a tragic murder-suicide on Sunday.
Lamu County Police Commander Kipsang Changach confirmed the incident, which occurred just outside the camp. Neighbours reported hearing four gunshots and rushed to the officer’s residence, only to find the lifeless bodies of the officer, his partner — a local teacher — and their child.
According to preliminary reports, the officer was enraged after his wife revealed she had reconciled with her estranged husband and her family. The revelation is believed to have triggered the violent reaction.
The woman was shot twice, while the child died from a single bullet wound. The officer is said to have then turned the gun on himself.
Their bodies have been moved to Mpeketoni Sub-County Hospital mortuary as investigations continue.
This incident adds to a growing number of cases involving police officers who turn violent, often against their own families, or take their own lives. Experts have linked this worrying trend to job-related stress and lack of mental health support.
In response, the National Police Service has launched counselling services and established a mental health unit aimed at preventing such tragedies. On average, at least three police officers die by suicide each month.
