Laikipia

Officer Offs Colleague at Laikipia Police Post

A police constable was fatally stabbed by a colleague during a violent altercation at Salama Police Post on Friday evening, authorities have confirmed.

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The incident occurred when Police Constable Victor Chesang’ Mengich, 42, allegedly attacked Police Constable Abel Kivoto Kimanzi with a knife following a dispute that escalated while both officers were on duty. Members of the public from the adjacent Salama shopping centre ultimately intervened to help restrain the suspect.

According to police reports, the station commander, Sergeant Wahome Muigai Muiruri, was at the nearby shopping centre when he heard distress calls. Upon observing the two officers engaged in a physical struggle from a distance, he immediately rushed to the scene.

When Sgt. Muiruri arrived, he found PC Mengich wielding a knife. Moments later, PC Kimanzi was stabbed in the left abdomen and collapsed. Despite efforts to assist him, the officer died at the scene from severe blood loss.

Sgt. Muiruri, accompanied by another officer identified as Morris Mugambi, attempted to disarm and restrain PC Mengich but both sustained injuries during the struggle. With assistance from civilians who responded to the commotion, the assailant was eventually subdued and placed in handcuffs.

Both PC Mengich and Sgt. Muiruri were initially taken to Salama Dispensary for emergency treatment before being transferred to Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital. Medical personnel treated both men for head and arm injuries. The station commander was subsequently released, while the suspect remained under police custody at Nyahururu Police Station pending investigation.

Crime scene investigators from Nyahururu Police Station documented the incident site. The deceased officer’s body was transported to Pope Benedict XVI Catholic Hospital Mortuary, where it awaits post-mortem examination.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine what triggered the deadly confrontation between the two officers.

Decorated Officer

PC Kimanzi had recently received recognition for his service. On December 9, 2024, he was among 20 police officers honored by the Chandaria Foundation during the annual Chandaria Bravery Award ceremony held at National Police Service headquarters.

Inspector General Douglas Kanja presided over the event, which celebrated officers who demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment to duty.