A cloud of grief engulfed Karoti Girls High School in Kirinyaga County on Monday, July 20, after a senior Administration Police officer allegedly shot his wife dead before turning the gun on himself in what police suspect was a domestic dispute.
The incident, which occurred at the school's staff quarters before dawn, left teachers, students and residents in shock.
Preliminary reports indicate Sergeant John Ikenye allegedly shot his wife Beth Wanja, 39, four times as she slept, killing her instantly before taking his own life.
Ms Wanja was found lying in a pool of blood on the couple's bed with severe head injuries, while the officer's body was discovered seated in the living room with his service rifle resting against his chest.
Beth Wanja, 39, was fatally shot by her 55-year-old husband, John Ikenye, a police officer, at Karoti Girls High School in Kirinyaga County.
Photo credit: George Munene | Nation
Police said Sgt Ikenye shot himself once in the neck, with the bullet exiting through the back of his head.
Residents said they heard several gunshots at about 4 am but did not immediately suspect anything unusual.
“We heard gunshots at around 4am but did not take them seriously. Later, we were shocked to learn that a police officer had killed his wife and then committed suicide. We suspect they may have quarrelled, although we do not know the cause,” said a neighbour.
The tragedy disrupted learning after news of the deaths spread across the school. Some students reportedly walked out of their classrooms screaming and crying after learning what had happened.
“We were all shocked. None of us expected such a tragedy to happen within the school compound. It became difficult to concentrate on our studies,” said one student.
The bodies were discovered after two police officers stationed at the school became concerned when Sgt Ikenye failed to report for duty in the morning.
They went to his house and found the door locked from the inside. After repeated knocks went unanswered, they peeped through an open window and saw Ms Wanja lying motionless on the bed.
The officers forced their way into the house, where they found the bodies of the couple.
“We were at home when we were informed that Wanja had been killed. We rushed to the scene only to find her lifeless body lying in a pool of blood,” said her cousin, Cyrus Gachoki.
The family described Ms Wanja as a hardworking businesswoman whose life was cut short in a brutal attack.
“We knew they were living together as husband and wife. What we do not know is what could have provoked him to kill her in such a horrific manner,” said her younger sister, Agnes Karimi.
The family has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conduct thorough investigations and establish the motive behind the killings.
Mwea East Sub-County Police Commander Stephen Okal said the bodies had been moved to Kerugoya Level Five Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
Mr Okal said DCI detectives had launched investigations to establish what drove the officer to kill his wife before taking his own life in an incident that sent shockwaves across the area.
