- A police officer shot and killed a colleague while injuring another during a bar altercation in Gigiri, Nairobi.
- The suspect, attached to Parliament, was quickly disarmed and placed under custody.
- Authorities link rising cases of police shootings to stress and trauma within the force.
- IPOA and law enforcement agencies are probing the incident to establish the motive.
- Experts urge stricter firearm control, psychological assessments, and off-duty gun restrictions for officers.
A night out turned tragic in Nairobi’s Gigiri area when a police officer shot two colleagues, killing one and leaving the other critically injured. The incident occurred at a bar within the Gigiri police lines on Sunday night, escalating concerns over firearm control and mental health within the police service.
According to witnesses, a group of officers had gathered for food and drinks when a dispute erupted. The suspect, attached to Parliament, allegedly drew his firearm and opened fire. One officer died on the spot, while the injured officer was rushed to the hospital.
Suspect Disarmed as Panic Erupts
Bar patrons and officers fled in panic as gunfire rang out. Swift action by responding officers led to the suspect’s arrest. Nairobi police commander George Sedah confirmed the arrest, assuring that investigations are underway to determine what triggered the shooting.
“This is an isolated case, and we are conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Sedah stated.
Rising Police Shootings and Mental Health Concerns
This case mirrors a February incident in Ruaraka, where an officer fatally shot a colleague outside a bar. Authorities have linked such shootings to stress, trauma, and poor mental health support within the police force.
“Police officers work in high-pressure environments. Without proper counseling, these pressures can manifest in dangerous ways,” stated a security expert.
The National Police Service (NPS) has introduced counseling services, but experts argue that mental health evaluations should be routine, not just during recruitment.
Calls for Reforms and Firearm Control
The Gigiri shooting has reignited debates on firearm accessibility and officer conduct in social settings. Stakeholders propose that:
1. Officers should not carry firearms off duty in bars and entertainment spots.
2. Regular mental health assessments should be mandatory.
3. Stronger oversight measures should be put in place to monitor officers’ behavior.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has promised a transparent investigation and urged citizens to report police misconduct. Meanwhile, the NPS has pledged internal reforms to curb rising cases of officer-involved shootings.
As Kenya grapples with growing concerns over police violence, authorities emphasize the need for proactive measures to restore public trust and protect both officers and civilians.
