NAIROBI, Kenya- A police officer was killed and another injured on Friday evening after a violent altercation involving colleagues at Salama Police Post in Laikipia West Constituency, according to police reports.
Police Constable Victor Chesang’ Mengich, 42, who was on duty at the post, is accused of stabbing and killing Police Constable Abel Kivoto Kimanzi following an altercation that escalated into a physical confrontation.
The incident occurred as members of the public at the nearby Salama shopping centre intervened to help restrain the suspect.
Altercation Turns Fatal
Police reports indicate that the officer in charge of the post, Sergeant Wahome Muigai Muiruri, was at the shopping centre when he heard distress calls and noticed two officers wrestling from a distance. On rushing to the scene, Sgt. Muigai found PC Mengich armed with a knife.
PC Mengich allegedly stabbed PC Kimanzi on the left side of the stomach, causing him to collapse.
PC Kimanzi later died after bleeding profusely. Sgt. Muigai, assisted by another officer identified as Morris Mugambi, attempted to subdue the suspect but sustained injuries during the scuffle.
Members of the public eventually helped overpower PC Mengich, handcuffing him before he and Sgt. Muigai were rushed to Salama dispensary for initial treatment. Both were later referred to Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital.
Injuries, Arrest and Investigations
Police said both PC Mengich and Sgt. Muigai sustained injuries to the head and arms. Sgt. Muigai was treated and discharged, while PC Mengich was detained at Nyahururu Police Station after receiving medical attention.
Officers from Nyahururu Police Station processed the scene before the body of the deceased was transferred to Pope Benedict XVI Catholic Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Investigations have been launched to establish the cause of the incident.
PC Kimanzi was among 20 police officers honoured on December 9, 2025, by the Chandaria Foundation for extraordinary courage and dedication to duty during the annual Chandaria Bravery Award ceremony.
The event was held at the National Police Service headquarters and presided over by Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
