A police officer is facing arson charges after he was accused of burning his colleague's car at Kakamega Police Station.
According to a police report seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the officer torched the policewoman's Toyota Allion, on Tuesday morning, August 1, after the duo fell out.
The main cause of the altercation was yet to be disclosed. However, the policewoman of the rank of constable confirmed that she had differed with his colleague a few minutes before the incident.
In her statement, the accused, who is also her neighbour at the Kakamega Police Lines, rushed into his house and left with some belongings before returning to set the car on fire using a mattress.
The night incident startled the neighbours, who rushed out to assist her in extinguishing the fire before it could totally damage the car.
Some alerted duty officers who rushed to the scene to assess the damage caused and also launch an investigation into the case. Two matchboxes belonging to the suspect were among the evidence collected and set to be used as exhibits in court.
According to witnesses, the suspect appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the incident, further compounding his case.
Police officers assigned to the case stated that their colleague will be charged with arson, contrary to Section 332 of the Penal Code. If found guilty, the suspect could face up to life imprisonment, among other penalties.
"Any person who wilfully and unlawfully sets fire to any building or structure whatever, whether completed or not; or any vessel, whether completed or not; or any stack of cultivated vegetable produce, or of mineral or vegetable fuel; or a mine, or the workings, fittings or appliances of a mine, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for life," reads part of Section 332 of the Penal Code.
On the other hand, anyone who attempts to commit arson is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for 14 years.
Cases of violence among police have been linked to exhaustion and mental health issues that most law enforcers struggle with.
In January 2023, the National Police Service (NPS) and Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Rigathi set out to rehabilitate officers dealing with mental health issues.
NPS also partnered with several doctors to train top police officers on how to handle mental health issues in their departments.
"My office's chaplaincy and family values pillars wish to see a dignified future for police officers in areas such as drug and substance abuse rehabilitation, counselling support, mentorship and training, and widow empowerment," the Second Lady stated.
In 2022, former IG Hillary Mutyambai declared 2,000 officers mentally unfit to serve highlighting the increased cases of suicide and depression among police.
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists highly recommend seeking help whenever you experience any mental health issues. Call Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.
