A police officer has been arrested following a tragic incident in Kajiado County, where a man was shot dead in what authorities believe was a case of mistaken identity.
According to reports, the deceased, Samuel Mutua Mulwa, was traveling with four others in a van en route to Muoni River to fetch water. Their journey was interrupted when the vehicle developed mechanical issues at Kathasyo area in Masimba. As they attempted to fix the problem, a Probox with headlights on full beam approached from the opposite direction.
A uniformed police officer stepped out of the Probox and questioned the group about their presence in the area. Before they could offer an explanation, the officer opened fire, fatally shooting Mulwa.
The injured driver was rushed to Makindu Sub County Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the officer mistook the group for suspects allegedly targeting fibre optic cables running through the region.
The officer, who was reportedly on patrol duty to protect fibre optic cables in the area, had been armed with a rifle and 25 rounds of ammunition. Upon arrest, he was found with 17 bullets, suggesting eight rounds may have been discharged.
Authorities have since disarmed the officer and launched a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The case has raised concerns over use-of-force protocols and mistaken identity during patrol operations.
By Newsmedia