Teen, 15, Shot Dead After Being Mistaken for Intruder as Police Probe Fatal Samburu Incident
A 15-year-old boy was shot dead in Samburu County after he was allegedly mistaken for a security threat by a National Police Reserve (NPR) officer guarding a private residence, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening in Loosuk, Samburu Central Sub-County, and has sparked concern among residents over the use of firearms by security personnel.
According to police reports, the homeowner was inside his residence when he heard a gunshot from outside the compound. Alarmed by the sound, he immediately contacted the NPR officer assigned to guard his property to establish what had happened.
The officer reportedly informed him that he had shot an individual who was attempting to climb over the perimeter fence.
When the homeowner rushed outside, he discovered a teenage boy lying on the ground with a serious gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as a 15-year-old local resident.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the NPR officer had noticed the teenager near the fence and challenged him to identify himself. However, after allegedly receiving no response, the officer reportedly concluded that the boy posed a threat and opened fire.
The teenager was rushed to Loosuk Health Centre for emergency treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police officers who visited the facility established that the victim had suffered a single gunshot wound that entered through the abdomen and exited through the back.
Authorities moved swiftly to arrest the NPR officer, who remains in custody as investigations continue.
His G3 rifle was confiscated and recovered loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition.
“The matter is under active investigation and all circumstances leading to the shooting are being examined,” a police source said.
The body of the deceased was transferred to Samburu County Referral Hospital mortuary, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
The fatal shooting comes amid growing scrutiny over the conduct of armed security personnel operating in remote regions where National Police Reservists often play a key role in community security operations.
Deadly Bandit Attack Leaves One Dead in Migori
In a separate incident, a man was killed and another victim robbed of his motorcycle during a violent armed attack in Migori County that culminated in a fierce gun battle between suspected bandits and police officers.
The attack occurred on Friday evening in Nyabiora Village, Masangora Sub-location, within Ntimaru Sub-County.
Police said officers were dispatched after receiving reports of sporadic gunfire in the area. However, upon arrival, the response team reportedly came under attack from armed assailants.
Officers returned fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire before the attackers eventually fled the scene.
Investigators later established that a 40-year-old man had already been shot in both legs by the attackers before police arrived.
He was rushed to Ntimaru Sub-County Hospital for treatment but later died from his injuries.
Authorities also confirmed that another victim was robbed of a red TVS Star 100 motorcycle, which was allegedly driven towards Transmara South in neighbouring Narok County.
Preliminary findings indicate the attackers may have crossed into Migori from Transmara South before carrying out the assault.
During the confrontation, police officers fired a total of 63 rounds of ammunition while attempting to repel the attackers.
Security agencies have since intensified patrols across the affected areas as efforts continue to track down the suspects and reassure frightened residents.
The deceased’s body was moved to Wima Mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
Police have launched a manhunt for the attackers as investigations into the deadly incident continue.
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