CID officer murders wife, commits suicide in suspected love triangle

Nairobi, Kenya: A Criminal Investigations Department (CID) officer shot himself after killing his wife in a suspected love triangle at Kamiti Corner in Nairobi.

Constable Julius Otieno Kimore, a 44-year-old CID officer based in Taita-Taveta, is said to have picked a quarrel with his wife after suspecting her of having an extra-marital affair.

The woman, identified as Nelius Nduku, 40, was shot dead in Murarandia area.

Police said he later took his life using a Ceska pistol loaded with 13 bullets, which was found lying next to his body.

Two spent cartridges were also recovered from the bedroom where the bodies were, officers disclosed.

The couple had four children and the eldest is said to be 21.

Their youngest son is 13 and police said three of the children were in the house when the incident took place.

The woman was a contractor and had allegedly won a tender worth Sh120 million to supply some materials.

The family had moved to their new house in March this year.

Kasarani OCPD Augustine Nthumbi said the officer was off duty and had arrived in Nairobi on Monday from his workstation.

"According to the information we have, the officer had been in a bar with his friends before he arrived home late Monday," said Nthumbi.

When he arrived home, the children were asleep and did not hear gunshots, police reports indicate.

The lifeless bodies of husband and wife were discovered early Tuesday morning by the deceased house help, Irene Nzeki, who became suspicious after they failed to wake up early as was routine.

Nzeki looked traumatised as officers carried away the bodies.

Neighbours said Kimore had suspected his wife of being promiscuous before he came to Nairobi unannounced.

Witnesses said the couple had on Monday gone to the woman's rural home to resolve their differences but it was not clear if the issue was sorted out.

"It was just yesterday (Monday) that the couple went to the woman's parents to solve the issue of suspicions, but seemingly, the husband was dissatisfied," said a neighbour and a friend to Nduku who did not wish to be named.

It was then that the officer went on a drinking spree before returning home.

Police arrived at the scene several hours after the incident and took the bodies to the mortuary.

"We are yet to know the motive of the incident so far but we hope to know more as soon as investigations are complete," said Nairobi police boss Benson Kibue.

Cases of suicide in the police force are on the rise amid claims that poor pay and deplorable living conditions are the main causes.

In an attempt to mitigate the problem, police have launched counseling sessions for officers and increased their perks.