Wife of police officer, feted for Westgate bravery, dies

OCS Kabete Stephen Lelei. Photo/FILE

What you need to know:

  • His wife, Ms Matrida Muroso, 36, sustained serious burns after the car exploded and was admitted at the Coptic Hospital.

The wife of a police officer who was honoured for his bravery after the Westgate attack died after their car caught fire along Thika Road.

Chief Inspector Stephen Lelei was driving home on Saturday morning at around 3am and on reaching near Safari Park Hotel, he heard a loud explosion.

Mr Lelei, who is also the Lower Kabete police chief, told investigators that he quickly pulled over and jumped out.

His wife, Ms Matrida Muroso, 36, was not so lucky and sustained serious burns and was admitted at the Coptic Hospital.

She succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday.

CAUSE OF FIRE

The officer’s car and AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition were also completely destroyed.

Kasarani OCPD Augustine Nthumbi confirmed the incident and said investigations have been launched to determine the cause of the fire.

“We are yet to establish what could have caused the fire. So far no one has been arrested in connection to the incident,” he said.

Last month, Mr Lelei was feted among other 12 police and military officers for exemplary service during the Westgate attack.