Police turns gun on self after shooting, killing wife in Nakuru

Police officers at a house in Piaye Police Patrol base in Njoro, Nakuru where a constable shot his wife dead and then turned the gun on himself. Colleagues and families say the couple seemed happy and peaceful. PHOTO | JOSEPH OPENDA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Nakuru County police boss Hassan Barua said the incident was reported by the officers’ neighbour and colleague who had been sent to give instructions to him.

Residents of Piave in Njoro woke up to shocking news after a police officer shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself.

The bodies of Constable Cornelius Kipngetich, 28, who was attached to Piave Patrol Base in Njoro and his wife Eunice Wambui were found lying in a pool of blood inside their single room at the camp.

Confirming the incident, Nakuru County Police Commander Hassan Barua said the incident was reported by the officers’ neighbour and colleague who had been sent to give instructions to Mr Kipngetich.

"It was the colleague who discovered the deaths after knocking several times on their door without getting a response," said Mr Barua.

The colleague, Constable Hillary Chekai, said he realised something was amiss when he got no response from the couples who had locked the door from inside.

"I peeped through the window and saw the body of the wife lying on the floor in a pool of blood [then] I reported the incident to the Officer Commanding Police Station in Njoro," said Mr Chekai.

According to the officer, the three-month-old couple were inseparable, lived a seemingly peaceful and happy life.

The wife's uncle, Mr Steven Maina, said the girl was staying in his house before she met the officer three months ago.

Mr Maina said he welcomed the girl in his house after she completed her high school education last year.

"She used to work in a cafe at the centre, the place where she met with the officer. They loved each other and decided to live together after the officer took her to his parents," said Mr Maina.

The uncle said he did not understand the whole incident because the two seemed happy the day before when he spent time with them.