Police nab GSU officer who went on the run after fatal shooting
GSU officer Nathan Kirwa was arrested after DCI detectives launched a manhunt.
Detectives in Eldoret have arrested a policeman accused of shooting dead a 45-year-old woman during an altercation at an officers' mess on Sunday evening.
General Service Unit (GSU) officer Nathan Kirwa was arrested after detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched a manhunt following the 5pm shooting at the GSU Mess Compound in Eldoret, near Eldoret State Lodge.
The victim, identified as Doris Murei, was having drinks at the establishment when a disagreement reportedly broke out between her and the armed officer, according to a police report filed at Naiberi Police Station.
Kirwa allegedly drew his firearm and fired seven shots, hitting Ms Murei, who died at the scene. The officer reportedly fled immediately after the shooting, prompting police to launch a manhunt and trace his movements.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Wilberforce Sichirani confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect would face the full force of the law.
"We have arrested the suspect from his hideout here in Eldoret. A specialised team of homicide officers is already on the ground piecing together details of the incident," Mr Sichirani said.
The GSU officer is expected to be arraigned, with investigators likely to seek more time to detain him as they complete investigations into the shooting.
A team of senior officers, including the County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) and crime scene experts, visited the scene and processed evidence as detectives sought to establish what triggered the confrontation. Investigators recovered seven spent 9mm cartridges and a rifle holster believed to be linked to the suspect.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear, with detectives expected to establish what sparked the altercation.
Ms Murei's body was moved to the Eldoret Hospital Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted.
Mr Sichirani assured the victim's family that investigators would pursue the case to its conclusion.
