Criminals escape after AP officer opens fire, disrupts court session

An Administration Police officer on Wednesday opened fire indiscriminately in a courtroom in Kathangacini, Tharaka-Nithi County, disrupting a session and prompting those present, including suspects, to scamper for safety.

Five suspects facing criminal charges escaped but two of them were later arrested.

It was not clear why Sergeant Nathan Erupe fired in the air twice as the court was in session.

Armed with a G3 riffle, he proceeded to the adjacent shopping centre and fired more rounds in the air, forcing traders to seek refuge in nearby buildings.

Gatunga police boss Hesbon Kandenge said the errant officer was later cornered, arrested and taken into custody at the Gatunga Police Station.

“We are continuing with investigations to establish the motive behind the shooting after which we will take him to court,” said Mr Kandenge.

The shooting comes barely a month after another police officer based at the Gatunga Police Station stabbed a colleague twice with a knife.

The officer also snatched his colleague’s pistol and started looking for a senior officer at the market centre.

He was later arrested and taken to court.

Mr Kandenge said officers need to be open to discussing their personal problems rather than resorting to using firearms.

“We intend to hold meetings with the police officers to advise them on the right way of handling their issues,” he said.