A police officer was killed while attempting to arrest a murder suspect in Awendo Sub-county, Migori County, on Friday, before the suspect was seized and beaten to death by an angry mob.
The incident occurred at Kadera Kwoyo area after two officers attached to Kadera Kwoyo Police Post acted on a tip-off regarding the whereabouts of a man wanted over a murder committed in May last year.
Police identified the deceased officer as Police Constable Josphat Ogaro Nyagesoa. He and his colleague had gone to arrest Dennis Oluoch, who had been on the run after allegedly murdering Brighton Odhiambo at Ponge Village in Kadera Kwoyo Location on May 4, 2025.
According to the police, as the officers approached the suspect, he allegedly drew a knife and stabbed constable Nyagesoa in the lower abdomen.
The officer succumbed to the injuries at the scene.
The other officer assisted by members of the public, pursued and managed to apprehend the suspect. However, the suspect was wrested from police custody by an irate crowd, which subjected him to mob justice.
The suspect sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Migori County Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was preserved at the hospital mortuary.
The body of the slain officer was moved to Rosewood Mortuary in Rongo.
Senior police officers, including the Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC), the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO), and the Sub-County Police Administrator (STAPOL) Awendo, visited and processed the scene.
Police said the next of kin of the deceased officer had been informed, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Meanwhile, police in Kitui County have launched investigations after a woman was found dead inside her home with a leso tied around her neck in what is being treated as a suspected murder.
The incident was reported at Mutha Police Station in Mutomo Sub-county on Friday.
A local alerted authorities after visiting the home of the deceased, identified as Mueni Mwangangi, on Friday morning.
The local administrator became concerned after noticing that Mwangangi had not woken up, which was said to be unusual. Upon checking inside the house, he found her unresponsive with a leso tied around her neck.
Police officers visited and secured the scene and have commenced investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
Authorities said a detailed progress report will be released as investigations continue.
