The National Police Service (NPS) has urged members of the public with information regarding the murder of a police officer in Thika to report to the nearest police station.
This follows the fatal shooting of Police Constable Benard Ithai by criminals in the Cravers area while he was in the line of duty. Attempts to rush him to hospital proved futile, as he succumbed to the gunshot wound.
Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, in a statement on Thursday evening, called on Kenyans with details of the incident to report to the nearest police station or directly contact the police service by phone.
Following the tragic occurrence, the deceased's family was promptly informed. Similarly, a contingent of police officers was immediately deployed to investigate the tragedy with the help of the public.
"Police officers responded immediately and, working in collaboration with members of the public, launched an investigation. Currently, officers are pursuing critical leads to apprehend the assailant," Muchiri Nyaga revealed.
He went on to add, "We commend members of the public for providing crucial information regarding the incident and appeal to anyone with further details that could assist the investigation to contact the nearest police station or use our toll-free numbers."
While calling for public assistance in the probe, the police service expressed its remorse to the family and relatives of the deceased and assured them of justice.
"We assure the public that we will continue to pursue and dismantle criminal networks to ensure the safety and security of all Kenyans, as well as residents and visitors," Nyaga reiterated.
Reports suggest that the officer who is attached to the Special Police Intercept and Verification (SPI) unit was gunned down during a routine inspection of the area.
An eyewitness who spoke to the press revealed that the deceased was patrolling alongside three other colleagues when they stopped a cyclist whose motorbike lacked the unique registration code required for genuine boda boda operators in Thika town.
During the inspection, an argument erupted between the cyclist and the constable. It was during the altercation that the rider drew a firearm and shot at the police officer.
Upon witnessing what had occurred, the other officers scampered for safety before returning to the scene moments later. The injured officer was rushed to Thika Nursing Home but died on the way.
