Killed in line of duty: 2 arrested over death of Nairobi police officer responding to distress call

A police officer was fatally stabbed while responding to a distress call in Dandora, Nairobi, raising renewed concerns about the safety of residents in the area.

Layford Gitonga died on August 2, 2025 as he attempted to rescue a man who was under attack by a group of assailants.

Preliminary investigations led to the arrest of Dorine Veronica Odimbo on October 3 in the Makongeni area, while her co-accused, Sylvester Ooko Oduor, was apprehended two days later.

The investigating officer, James Tajeu, presented the two suspects before Senior Principal Magistrate Paul Rotich, who granted a request to detain them for 21 days pending further investigations.

“The suspects are strongly believed to be linked to the murder, which was reported under OB number 2/02/08/2025,” said Detective Tajeu in his affidavit.

According to initial findings, the incident began when a patron at Mugenda Texas Bar was being pursued by approximately eight people who intended to rob him. The victim called out for help as he ran back into the bar, prompting Constable Gitonga, who was nearby, to intervene.

While attempting to shield the man, the attackers allegedly turned on the officer, stabbing him in the chest and robbing him of his mobile phone. Constable Gitonga lost consciousness and was rushed to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

During the arrest of Dorine Odimbo, she was found in possession of the officer’s mobile phone. Detective Tajeu informed the court that several key witness statements were yet to be recorded, and mental assessments of the accused were still pending. He also noted that the suspects were a flight risk.