A manhunt has been launched for a police officer accused of killing two women in a gruesome double murder that has shocked residents of Mwingi.
Detectives are searching for the constable, who is on the run after fatally shooting the two women at Kanyonyo market in Kitui County.
According to witnesses, gunshots were heard on the night of August 3 at the market, with residents later discovering the lifeless bodies of the two women at the scene.
Reports indicated that the officer was in a relationship with one of the women, with the two reportedly engaging in public disputes.
Those privy to the situation stated that the rogue officer might have been under the influence when he committed the act and was scheduled to report for the evening shift.
While it is unclear how the other woman was involved in the incident, preliminary reports indicate that she might have been a victim of circumstance, simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“This officer was already intoxicated in the afternoon, despite being required for duty in the evening. The two had a dispute, and the other woman was innocent. She was helping her friend and was caught up in the situation,” an area resident noted.
Another witness with more information on the clash stated that the other woman was attempting to quell the dispute, and in a fit of rage, the officer shot his lover and her friend.
“The officer was looking for his lover and found her at her friend’s place. That is when they had a dispute, and the officer wanted to assault his lover. However, her friend came to her aid and attempted to stop the fight. That is when the officer shot the two of them, killing them instantly,” the witness narrated.
After the murder, the two bodies were taken to Kitui Level Four Sub-County Hospital mortuary, with the loved ones of the deceased beginning preparations for their burial.
While fleeing, the officer is said to have dropped his loaded AK-47 rifle in a bush and escaped on foot towards Matuu, vanishing into the darkness.
Lower Yatta Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer Hadick Jumba confirmed the manhunt but added that a night search for the officer yielded no arrest.
