Police officer shot dead by colleague at Kitui Training Camp, suspect flees

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, a tragic incident unfolded at the Wikithuki BPU Training Camp in Tseikuru, Kitui County. A police constable, Raphael Ojiambo, was shot and killed by a fellow officer, Hussein Yusuf Ali. The shooting occurred at approximately 3pm, as both men were undergoing induction training. Ojiambo sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, with the bullet lodging near his left shoulder.

The suspect, Ali, fled the scene in an official vehicle after dropping his firearm. Two G3 rifles were recovered at the site, one belonging to each officer. No evidence of expended ammunition was found. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, but police are investigating the incident to determine the cause. The officer's death has prompted a search for the suspect, who has not been located as of Sunday night.

Authorities are raising awareness about the high rate of trauma among police officers, many of whom are at risk of suicide. In response, counseling services have been launched, and a dedicated unit within the National Police Service Commission has been established to address mental health and substance abuse issues. The World Health Organisation notes that police deaths are often linked to factors such as joblessness, academic struggles, legal troubles, financial difficulties, bullying, previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide, alcoholism, substance misuse, depression, and bipolar disorder. The government is actively working to address this growing problem.