A police officer was shot and killed on Wednesday evening in Thika West Sub-county, Kiambu County, after what began as a routine motorcycle inspection turned deadly.
The fallen officer, Constable Bernard Koome, was a member of the Special Police Intercept and Verification (SPIV) unit, a team responsible for checking boda boda operators for compliance with new regulations.
According to the eyewitnesses, the incident happened during a regular patrol involving four SPIV unit officers.
The team stopped a motorcycle rider whose bike was missing a mandatory registration code—a unique identifier recently introduced to reduce crimes linked to boda boda operators.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
Eyewitness Peter Kariuki, who watched the situation unfold, explained that everything seemed normal at first.
But when one of the officers removed the ignition key from the unregistered motorcycle, an argument broke out between the rider and the officers.
“The rider was eating a pineapple at the time,” Kariuki said. “Suddenly, he overpowered one of the officers, pulled out a gun, and shot him in the throat.”
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The attack happened so quickly that the other officers had no time to respond. They took cover to avoid further harm, giving the armed attacker a chance to escape.
Brazen Getaway
In a shocking turn of events, the gunman then headed toward Royale Hotel, where he hijacked another motorcycle at gunpoint.
He threatened both the rider and the passenger, forcing them to get off before fleeing the scene on the stolen bike.
Later, the suspect abandoned the motorcycle near the well-known Mugumo tree in Thika.
Crime scene investigators who arrived shortly after recovered a loaded magazine at the location, providing a vital clue in the ongoing investigation.
Efforts to Save the Officer
Constable Koome was rushed to Thika Nursing Home by his fellow officers and bystanders. Despite efforts to save him, he tragically died from the gunshot wound.
Jacinta Mbaika, the area’s Director of Criminal Investigations (DCIO), confirmed the fatal shooting and promised that detectives are working hard to track down the suspect.
She added that a full statement would be issued once the preliminary investigations are complete.
Background on Motorcycle Inspections
SPIV officers have been conducting frequent checks on motorcycles to ensure that all boda boda operators follow new safety and identification rules.
The registration code system was introduced as a way to fight back against rising crime, especially incidents where robbers disguise themselves as boda boda riders.
Authorities believe this system is essential in helping both police and the public easily identify legitimate operators, making it harder for criminals to blend in.
What Happens Next?
The police have launched a manhunt for the suspect and are urging the public to report any information that may help in the investigation.
The community in Thika remains shocked and saddened by the loss of a dedicated officer who was simply doing his job.
As the investigation continues, many are calling for increased safety measures to protect officers during routine patrols and checks.
