DCI Officer Killed in Kitale as Gang Attempts to Free Murder Suspect
A Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer has been killed in Kitale after being stabbed during a violent confrontation in which a gang allegedly attempted to rescue a suspect from arrest. A youth was also fatally shot as the incident escalated, authorities have confirmed.
Trans Nzoia County Criminal Investigations Officer Josephat Ndung’u said the officer was attacked on Tuesday in the Matisi area, where a team of detectives had been dispatched to apprehend a murder suspect. Ndung’u confirmed that one suspect had already been arrested in connection with the assault, adding that a full investigation is underway to establish the motive and identify all individuals involved.
“We are pursuing every lead to understand exactly how this attack was planned and executed,” Ndung’u said, noting that more arrests are expected. “Our officers were on lawful duty when they were confronted by a group determined to obstruct justice.”
According to preliminary reports, the detectives were attempting to seize a suspect when a gang emerged and launched the assault, fatally stabbing one of the officers. The confrontation that followed resulted in the death of a youth at the scene. Authorities are now working to reconstruct the sequence of events, including whether the attack was coordinated in advance.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which routinely investigates incidents involving police operations or attacks on officers, has yet to release a statement on the matter. IPOA is mandated to conduct independent reviews to determine whether any police action, negligence or procedural lapses may have contributed to such incidents.
The killing comes just weeks after another attack on DCI personnel in Homa Bay County, underscoring rising concerns about the safety of officers deployed to high-risk operations.
On November 12, three DCI officers were seriously injured in Kasipul Constituency after being ambushed during a security operation linked to the killing of two youths in the Opondo area. Police reports said the officers, including Rachuonyo South Sub-County DCI chief Daniel Muhuhi, were attacked while attempting to arrest suspects believed to be hiding at the homestead of former Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were in Kachien Village.
The officers had reportedly traced the suspects to Kosele Trading Centre following intelligence reports. However, the group fled to the late MP’s homestead, where they allegedly launched a violent assault on the detectives.
As investigations into the Kitale killing continue, security officials say they are assessing whether the latest incident is part of a growing trend of organised resistance to police operations in regions grappling with violent crime.
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DCI Officer Killed in Kitale as Gang Attempts to Free Murder Suspect