A police officer attached to Loruk police station, Baringo County was arrested on Wednesday for randomly shooting at the outpost, injuring a colleague and two civilians in the process.
According to a police report filed under OB 10/25/10/2023, the incident began when police constable, Edward Otieno, the assailant, arrived at the station to report for duty.
At around 12:45 p.m, he began shooting at the station using his G3 rifle loaded with one magazine.
During the incident, he shot Officer Wycliffe Otieno in the left upper arm, Zacharia Chelagat in his stomach, and Winnie Cherop in her backside.
According to the report, the victims sustained injuries, with bullets lodged in their bodies, and have since been rushed to the hospital.
"It was reported that one Pc Edward Otieno had started shooting indiscriminately using his G3 riffle s/no 193931 loaded with one magazine," read part of the police report.
"During the incident, he shot one civilian namely Zachariah Chelagat in his stomach and has a suspected bullet lodged in the stomach, he shot another Winnie Cherop who has a suspected lodged bullet on her backside, and Officer Wycliffe Otieno was also shot at his left upper arm and has a suspected lodged bullet. All the victims were rushed to Marigat Sub-County Hospital in fair condition."
After wreaking havoc for some moments, fellow officers at the station finally restrained their colleague and disarmed him. According to the statement, by the time he was neutralized, the officer had spent 15 rounds.
"The said officer was disarmed and it was established that he had spent 15 rounds. He is now searched and kept in lawful custody."
Authorities have launched investigations to establish the motive behind the officer's actions.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in high-stress and demanding environments which can have adverse effects on their mental health.
The latest data by the National Police Service (NPS) reveals that an average of 12,000 police officers are facing challenges dealing with mental health.
To tackle this concern, senior officers participate in regular training sessions aimed at helping their subordinates cope with mental health challenges.
Counselors, medics, and psychologists recommend seeking help whenever you experience any mental health issue. Call the Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.
