Police Constable Victor Chesang’ Mengich, 42, was on duty when he reportedly attacked Police Constable Abel Kivoto Kimanzi after an altercation that turned fatal.
Shock and disbelief gripped Laikipia West Constituency on Friday evening after a police officer allegedly stabbed and killed his colleague and injured his immediate superior following a violent altercation at Salama Police Post.
The suspect, Police Constable Victor Chesang’ Mengich, 42, was reportedly on duty when he turned on his colleague, Police Constable Abel Kivoto Kimanzi, during an argument that quickly escalated into a fatal confrontation.
According to police reports, the incident occurred near Salama shopping centre, where members of the public were alerted by distress calls coming from the police post. Witnesses said the two officers were seen wrestling before the situation turned deadly.
At the time of the altercation, the officer in charge of Salama Police Post, Sergeant Wahome Muigai Muiruri, was at the nearby shopping centre. After hearing screams, he rushed to the scene and found PC Mengich armed with a knife.
Moments later, PC Mengich allegedly stabbed PC Kimanzi on the left side of the abdomen. The injured officer collapsed and succumbed to his injuries after bleeding profusely before medical help could arrive.
Sergeant Muigai, assisted by another officer identified as Morris Mugambi, attempted to restrain the suspect. However, both sustained injuries during the violent struggle as PC Mengich reportedly went berserk.
Members of the public eventually intervened, overpowering and handcuffing the suspect. PC Mengich and Sgt. Muigai were rushed to Salama Dispensary for first aid before being referred to Nyahururu County Referral Hospital for further treatment. Both sustained injuries to the head and arms.
Police said Sgt. Muigai was treated and later discharged, while PC Mengich was detained at Nyahururu Police Station after receiving medical attention. Investigations have since been launched to establish the circumstances and motive behind the fatal incident.
Officers from Nyahururu Police Station processed the crime scene before the body of the deceased was transferred to Pope Benedict XVI Catholic Hospital Mortuary for preservation and postmortem examination.
In a tragic twist, PC Kimanzi had recently been recognised for his service. He was among 20 police officers honoured on December 9, 2025, by the Chandaria Foundation during the annual Chandaria Bravery Awards for demonstrating exceptional courage and dedication to duty.
The award ceremony was held at the National Police Service (NPS) headquarters and presided over by Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
The incident has once again raised concerns about stress, mental health, and conflict management within the police service, as investigations continue.
