Investigation launched after KDF soldier found with slit throat in Marsabit
Police said the circumstances surrounding Corporal Kelvin Thuku's death remain unclear as investigations continue.
What you need to know:
- The soldier had failed to respond to several phone calls from a colleague, who later went to check on him.
- The colleague reportedly found him lying in a pool of blood with a deep wound to his throat.
Police have launched investigations after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier was found dead with a slit throat at an operation base in Marsabit County.
The incident is under investigation to establish whether Corporal Kelvin Thuku died by suicide or was murdered, the military said.
The incident was reported on September 27, 2026, after a fellow military officer raised the alarm upon finding Thuku dead.
On Monday, police said the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear as investigations continue to determine whether he took his own life or was killed.
Police and military authorities are investigating the death of an officer at the Karare Forward Operating Base in Marsabit.
Circumstances of the death
Officials said the soldier had failed to respond to several phone calls from a colleague, who later went to check on him at the base.
The colleague reportedly found him lying in a pool of blood with a deep wound to his throat.
Police and Military Police officers, accompanied by the base’s medical officer, visited the scene. The officer was pronounced dead, officials said.
Investigators recovered a blood-stained military knife, suspected to have been used in the incident, as well as the deceased’s mobile phone.
His body was taken to the mortuary at Marsabit County Referral Hospital, where it is being preserved pending a post-mortem examination.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the death and whether it was a suicide or involved another person.
Colleagues said Thuku had not shown signs of distress before his death.
“He had not exhibited any form of stress, which is why we believe a thorough investigation is necessary,” a colleague said.
Attacked with a panga
Elsewhere, a police officer was seriously injured after he was allegedly attacked with a panga while officers attempted to arrest a wanted suspect in Murumba, Bungoma County.
Police said the incident occurred on Sunday, September 27, 2026, when a team of officers from Bumala Police Station went to Murumba Police Post to reinforce officers who were seeking to arrest Stephen Ouma Okinda Aluhya, 36.
According to a police report, Okinda was wanted in connection with an alleged assault on his father. The matter had been recorded at Murumba Police Post under OB No. 7/22/09/2026.
Police said officers had earlier visited the suspect's home on September 23 to arrest him, but he allegedly threatened the officers with a panga. The incident was recorded under OB No. 15/23/09/2026.
During Sunday's operation, the suspect allegedly attacked PC Foustine Atinya, cutting him twice on the left side of his head.
The officer was rushed to Pamako Medical Centre, where he received treatment while in serious condition. He was later transferred to Life Care Bungoma for further treatment.
The police report added that several officers discharged their firearms during the operation. IP Fredrick Nyangeri reportedly fired four rounds from a Jericho pistol, while PC Lukas Aramaina fired nine blank rounds from a G3 rifle.
PC Kelvin Chacha reportedly fired one blank round from his G3 rifle, while the injured PC Atinya fired two blank rounds from his G3 rifle.
Police further reported that a G3 rifle, serial number 042125, issued to PC Kelvin Chacha, was allegedly cut into two pieces by the suspect during the confrontation.
The suspect was eventually subdued and arrested. He was taken to Bumala Police Station and placed in custody as investigations into the incident continue.
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