A suspected gunman shot and killed a police officer during a crackdown on unregistered motorcycles in Thika West, Kiambu County, on Wednesday, June 18. The officer, identified as Constable Bernard Koome, served with the Special Police Intercept and Verification (SPIV) unit.
At around midday, Koome and his team stopped a boda boda rider in the Cravers area after noticing the motorcycle lacked a required registration code. Koome removed the key from the ignition to prevent the rider from fleeing. In response, the suspect initially pretended to cooperate but suddenly drew a pistol and opened fire, hitting Koome in the neck. The bullet exited through his back, causing fatal injuries.
A witness, Rose Makena, said, “The officer was just doing his job. The rider looked calm, then everything changed in a second”.
Immediately after the shooting, the suspect fired shots into the air as he fled on foot. He then commandeered another motorcycle at gunpoint and escaped toward a nearby estate. Officers recovered two spent 9mm cartridges and a loaded Ceska pistol magazine at the crime scene.
Koome’s colleagues rushed him to Thika Nursing Home, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Thika DCIO Jacinta Mbaika confirmed the incident and stated, “We will issue a detailed report once investigations are complete”.
Martin Mburu, the boda boda rider whose motorcycle was hijacked, recounted, “A man suddenly jumped out, pointed a pistol at us, and ordered us off the bike”.
Following the incident, police launched a manhunt and urged the public to share any information that could help locate the suspect. Authorities believe the assailant is part of a criminal network targeting law enforcement and civilians in the area.
This attack highlights the growing risks officers face during routine enforcement operations. Police continue to investigate and remain on high alert in the region.
