- A deadly shooting involving security officers occurred in Kwale County
- One police officer was killed, while another was left seriously injured
- A civilian motorcycle rider was also shot during the incident
- The KWS ranger later turned the gun on himself and died
Police in Kwale County are probing a tragic incident in which a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officer fatally shot a Kenya Police Service (KPS) officer, wounded another, and later killed himself.
The incident happened as officers from both services crossed paths while on motorcycles along the Nyango–Kilibasi road.
According to police, two officers from the Kenya Police Service, Stanley Karithi and Aftin Farah Ali, were on patrol when they stopped a motorcycle carrying charcoal, ridden by Salim Mwandoro.
At the same time, two KWS rangers from Kilibasi KWS camp, identified as John Ndichu and Eric Mugambi, arrived at the scene on a separate motorcycle.
Investigators say tension arose after Officer Karithi questioned Ranger Ndichu about two goats allegedly collected for police officers during the festive season but never delivered.
The disagreement quickly escalated, with Ndichu reportedly becoming aggressive before opening fire.
Police reports state that Ranger Ndichu shot PC Stanley Karithi multiple times in the chest, killing him on the spot. He then shot PC Aftin Farah Ali in the ribs, leaving him seriously injured.
The wounded officer was rushed to Voi Hospital for emergency treatment.
During the chaos, Salim Mwandoro, the civilian rider, was also shot in the ribs and later taken to Mariakani Hospital in critical condition.
After the shooting, the KWS ranger reportedly shot himself under the chin, dying instantly at the scene.
Emergency responders and investigators later secured the area as shocked residents gathered nearby.
Police processed the scene and transferred the bodies of the deceased officers to Voi Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Authorities also seized two MK-7 rifles belonging to the KWS rangers as part of the investigation.
The incident has raised serious concerns over coordination among security agencies and firearm control. Investigators are now working to establish the full circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
As the probe continues, the tragedy has left both the police and wildlife service communities mourning the loss of their officers while calling for calm and accountability.
