Police officer in dramatic shooting over 'stolen girlfriend' arrested

A view of Matuu Police Station. [File, Courtesy]

A police officer attached to Matuu Police Station has been arrested after he was involved in a dramatic shooting over an alleged love affair.

The said officer disrupted a night of merry-making at a bar in Yatta, Machakos County on Friday morning after he opened fire following a disagreement over a woman.

The constable of police was later dramatically disarmed and arrested pending arraignment.

According to police reports, the officer caused considerable disturbance at around 2 am prompting a staff member at the drinking joint to report the matter.

Other officers arrived at the scene and found the officer had already left the lounge after noticing their presence.

“He returned to the police station at 5:25 am, where he picked an AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition from the reports office. The firearm was designated for another officer assigned to patrol duties,” read a section of police report.

Armed with the assault rifle, the officer went back to the lounge but fortunately, he was followed by his colleagues who sensed danger.

He told his colleagues he wanted to arrest a man he accused of ‘stealing’ his girlfriend.

In an attempt to disarm him, officers approached from behind, resulting in a chaotic scene where the now suspect fired off all 30 rounds from the rifle.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident, and police were able to successfully disarm and arrest him.

The officer was subsequently taken back to Matuu Police Station, where he is under custody pending arraignment.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Yatta is currently conducting further investigations into the incident.