A tragic shooting incident claimed the life of Police Constable Bernard Koome on Thursday afternoon during a patrol operation in Thika West, Kiambu County. The officer was gunned down by an armed suspect after attempting to intercept a suspicious motorcycle in the Cravers area.
According to the police report, Koome and a fellow officer were on routine patrol when they spotted a motorcycle acting suspiciously. As they moved in to question the rider, the individual abandoned the bike and took off on foot, opening fire in the process. During the confrontation, the gunman shot Koome in the neck before fleeing while firing shots into the air to deter pursuit.
Officers responding to the incident recovered key evidence at the scene. Two spent 9mm cartridges were found, along with a CZ pistol magazine containing four live rounds of ammunition. These findings suggest that the attacker was prepared and possibly armed with a semi-automatic weapon.
Koome was quickly transported to a hospital in Thika, but unfortunately, did not survive the gunshot wound. His death has sparked a widespread manhunt as police work to identify and arrest the suspect involved in the deadly encounter.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway, with multiple units tasked with tracking down the shooter. The National Police Service has yet to release further information regarding the suspect’s identity or motive.
Constable Koome’s death highlights the increasing risks law enforcement officers face in the line of duty and has stirred fresh concerns about officer safety during everyday patrols.
By Lucky Anyanje
