Kitui Police Officer Shoots Girlfriend and Her Friend After Bar Dispute
Residents of Kanyonyoo market in Kitui County were left in shock on Sunday night after a police officer allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend and her female friend during a domestic altercation that escalated into violence.
Officer Leaves Post Armed with AK-47
According to police reports, the officer who was stationed at a local report office abandoned his post without permission, leaving with his assigned AK-47 rifle. Witnesses claim the officer had a heated argument with his girlfriend, identified as Joy Mutisya, earlier in the day over personal issues.
Later that night, he tracked her to a nearby bar where she was socializing with friends. Eyewitnesses said the officer arrived in full uniform and visibly armed, immediately causing panic among patrons.
Victims Attempt to Escape but Are Gunned Down
Joy reportedly fled the bar and sought refuge at a nearby home belonging to her friend, identified only as Judy. The officer followed and stormed the house, where he opened fire fatally shooting both women before escaping on foot.
Police officers who responded to the scene recovered two spent cartridges. The bodies were taken to Kitui Level Five Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examinations.
Rifle Abandoned, Officer Still at Large
In a later phone call to his superiors, the suspect revealed he had abandoned the loaded rifle still containing 26 rounds of ammunition in a thicket along Matuu Road. The weapon has since been recovered, but the officer remains at large as a multi-agency manhunt continues.
Spotlight on Police Mental Health Crisis
This disturbing incident has reignited national debate over mental health within Kenya’s police service. The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has previously highlighted challenges such as trauma, substance abuse, and chronic stress affecting officers on duty.
“Mental health is no longer a hidden crisis it’s a national concern that must be prioritized,” stated a senior officer familiar with the ongoing investigation.
The NPSC continues to roll out wellness and counselling programs aimed at addressing psychological distress among law enforcement personnel.
Stay tuned to Kenya News Crime for updates on this developing story and other top crime reports from across the country.
