Two National Police Service (NPS) officers died tragically on Thursday, June 26, after being electrocuted during a mast installation at Ainamoi Police Station in Kericho County.
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How the Incident Happened
Initial reports indicate that the two officers—one attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the other from the general police service—were working to mount a radio signal mast within the station’s compound.
The mast allegedly gave way under its own weight, falling onto nearby live power lines. A local administrator confirmed that the officers died instantly after the structure contacted overhead electricity cables.
A local technician assisting the officers also sustained minor injuries from a mild electric shock and was rushed to Ainamoi Health Centre. He is reported to be in stable condition.
The bodies of the officers were taken to Lazarus Funeral Home at Siloam Hospital in Kericho town. Authorities have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police Death Toll Since 2022 Tops 1,200
The deaths in Kericho add to a growing tally of fatalities within the National Police Service. In May 2025, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja told Parliament that over 1,206 officers have died since the last recruitment in 2022.
Additionally, more than 4,000 officers have exited the service due to various reasons including retirement, resignation, and medical discharge.
Impact of High Attrition on Police Services
IG Kanja emphasized that the high attrition rate is affecting daily operations, leaving crucial policing areas understaffed and increasing the burden on the remaining officers.
“The attrition of 4,569 officers from NPS since the last recruitment exercise in 2022 has significant implications for staffing levels, operational capacity, and strategic planning within the service,” — IG Douglas Kanja
He further highlighted concerns such as slow emergency response times, reduced patrol visibility, and challenges in investigations due to manpower shortages.
The tragic electrocution in Kericho serves as a sobering reminder of occupational hazards within the force and underscores the urgent need for improved safety protocols and support systems within the National Police Service.
