A Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Officer was shot dead over the weekend while watching a World Cup football match in Narok County.
Samuel Okumu succumbed to gunshot wounds on his chest and neck following an attack by unknown gunmen in a bar at Esoit Shopping Centre in TransMara West Sub County.
Confirming the incident, Trans Mara Region KWS Warden Philemon Chebett disclosed that three other people were also injured in the attack.
“The gunmen invaded the bar at around 8:30 PM, shot dead our officer and injured the owner of the bar, a female attendant and a customer after which they walked away. Our officers have launched a manhunt for them,” he explained.
[caption caption="KWS officers during an operation in Tana River County"]
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Chebett assured that security had been beefed up in the volatile region to ensure the perpetrators are arrested.
He appealed for locals to volunteer information that would lead to the capture of the gunmen so as to serve justice following the killing.
"The slain officer’s body is currently being preserved at the Saint Joseph Mission Hospital in Kilgoris Town as plans for his burial commence," he added.
This is the second incident reported of a person being killed while watching a World Cup match.
Earlier in the month, a medic at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) was killed in an attack at a popular joint in Kisumu where football fans were watching a World Cup match.
Prof Peter Kasumba died at the Aga Khan Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit where had been admitted after the night attack.
To avoid such incidences occurring, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet directed County Commanders across the country to ensure security is tightened in video parlours and other public places where the ongoing FIFA World Cup is being viewed.
[caption caption="KWS officers during an operation in Tana River County"][/caption]
He tasked them with ensuring that the clubs, restaurants and video parlours comply with security measures announced after the month-long global tournament kicked off.
