A police officer shot and killed his partner before turning the gun on himself in a tragic murder-suicide at staff quarters within a school in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County.
According to police, the incident was reported at about 11.45 a.m. on Monday in Kimbimbi sub-location, Nyangati location.
Police officers visited the residence, where they peered through a window and spotted the bodies of Administration Police Sergeant John Kamau Ikenye and Betha Wanja Gachoki, who had been living together in the school staff quarters.
After forcing their way into the house, investigators found Wanja's body lying on a bed, while the officer's body was seated on a chair holding a G3 rifle.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Ikenye allegedly shot Wanja before taking his own life using the service rifle. Police believe the incident occurred between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m., based on information gathered from neighbours.
The woman sustained three gunshot wounds to the chest and left hand, while the officer suffered a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chin, with the bullet exiting through the left side of his head.
Crime scene investigators recovered the G3 rifle believed to have been used in the shooting.
The firearm had a magazine containing 14 rounds, with one live round still chambered. Five spent cartridges were also recovered from the scene.
The scene was processed and documented before the bodies were moved to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary, where post-mortem examinations are expected to be conducted.
Police have launched investigations to establish the circumstances and possible motive behind the fatal shooting.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death among police officers.
