Thika: A suspected criminal fatally shot a Special Police Investigations Unit (SPIV) Officer in Thika, sparking a high-level security operation and recovery of a loaded pistol magazine. The incident occurred Wednesday evening in the Cravers area of Thika Town during a Stop-and-Search operation, rattling security agencies in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the officer, Police Constable Bernard Koome, was conducting a routine security check when he stopped a man riding a motorcycle. The suspect reportedly drew a firearm and shot Koome at close range before hijacking another motorcycle and fleeing the scene. Thika Deputy Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) Jacinta Mbaika stated that the officer was part of an intelligence-led operation targeting an armed suspect believed to be linked to a series of recent robberies in Thika town and its environs.
The confrontation escalated when the suspect, upon being cornered, opened fire and critically wounded one of the officers before escaping. 'We immediately secured the area and recovered a loaded Ceska pistol magazine dropped during the escape. The weapon is now undergoing ballistic analysis,' said Mbaika, accompanied by senior officers from Kiandutu and Thika Police Stations.
The wounded SPIV Officer was rushed to Thika Nursing Hospital but was pronounced dead while receiving emergency treatment. Initial investigations indicate that the suspect is part of a broader criminal ring operating in Thika, Juja, and Ruiru towns, where at least six armed robberies have been reported in the past month alone, according to Kiambu County Police data.
The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of undercover officers and the increasing boldness of criminals. Area residents, still shaken by the gunfire near the usually quiet Royale Hotel, have urged authorities to enhance surveillance. 'The gunshots sent us into panic. We thought it was a terrorist attack. Something must be done urgently,' said Collins Waweru, a local Boda boda operator who witnessed the aftermath.
In a separate interview, Mary Nduta, a hotel attendant nearby, remarked, 'I've never seen officers this alarmed. The streets were swarming with police within minutes. It was terrifying but reassuring.' Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, described as armed and dangerous. The Thika Sub-County Commander has urged anyone with information to come forward, assuring them of anonymity and protection.
The body of the fallen officer has been transferred to General Kago Funeral Home, as investigations continue.