Drunk Uasin Gishu police officer shoots lover, her friend dead in suspected love triangle

A police officer is facing a double murder probe in Uasin Gishu County after allegedly opening fire inside a popular drinking joint.

The officer killed two people, including his lover, and injured a third in what investigators believe may have stemmed from a simmering love triangle.

The incident occurred on the night of Wednesday, June 26, at Kokwet Pub in Turbo. What started as a routine evening of leisure spiraled into horror when gunshots rang out, sending patrons into panic.

According to police reports filed under OB number 39 at Juakali Police Station, officers were alerted at around 10:40pm by members of the public who heard gunfire from the pub.

Responding officers from Juakali and Sugoi patrol bases rushed to the scene where they found chaos and bloodshed.

The suspected gunman, Police Constable Erick Kirui of Tembelio Police Station in Moiben Sub-county, was reportedly heavily intoxicated and brandishing an AK-47 rifle when he stormed into the establishment. Witnesses say Kirui fired indiscriminately, striking three people.

Among those killed was Caroline Malakwen Nandi, the owner of the pub, who was also said to be cohabiting with the officer. The second victim, Ignatius Kipchumba alias Mwala Nandi, was a customer present at the scene.

A third man, Anthony Stephen Mbifa, was injured after being struck on the head by a ricocheted bullet. He survived the ordeal and is receiving treatment.

Police say Kirui had been officially assigned the firearm for night patrol duties but instead diverted and made his way to the pub using a boda boda. Upon arrival, he reportedly caused a commotion before unleashing gunfire.

He was arrested while attempting to escape and disarmed of the loaded rifle, which still contained 22 rounds of live ammunition.

Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Turbo, along with the Sub-County police commander and forensic teams, processed the crime scene.

The bodies of the deceased were moved to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) mortuary in Eldoret for postmortem examinations.

Early findings point to a possible case of jealousy, with investigators suspecting the officer may have acted out of rage over an alleged affair involving his partner. However, police say all angles are being considered as the investigation continues.

The case is now in the hands of DCI Turbo detectives as authorities seek justice for the victims and accountability from one of their own.