A police officer and a wildlife officer died on Wednesday in a dispute over Christmas goats in Kinango, Kwale County. The clash led to gunfire and two injuries. Investigations are ongoing by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon along the Nyango–Kilibasi road in the Kilibasi area of Kinango Sub-County. Two police officers from Kilibasi Police Station had stopped a boda boda carrying charcoal when they encountered KWS officers John Ndichu and Eric Mugambi on another motorcycle.
During their conversation, police officer Stanley Karithi questioned Ndichu about two goats that a herder had given for delivery to police officers during the Christmas season but never arrived. Tensions escalated quickly, and Ndichu opened fire from his rifle.
According to the police report, “Ndichu became angry and started shooting from his rifle, hitting police officer Stanley Karithi four times in the chest and killing him on the spot, before shooting police officer Aftin Farah Ali and the boda boda rider.” Karithi died immediately, while Ali was shot in the right thigh and rushed to Voi Hospital with severe injuries.
The boda boda rider, Salim Mwandoro, was shot in the right side and taken to Mariakani Hospital. Ndichu then shot himself under the chin and died at the scene. Police recovered two firearms and bullets from the location.
Senior security officials, including the Kinango Sub-County Police Commander and DCI detectives, arrived at the scene to launch an investigation. “This incident is still under investigation, and an inquest file has been opened,” the police report stated. The probe is being handled by the Kinango DCI.