A night of revelry at the Imperial Lounge in Yatta, Machakos County, was abruptly interrupted in the early hours of Friday when a police officer opened fire following a dispute over a woman.
The incident unfolded at around 2:40 am when Police Constable Fredrick Kipchoge, stationed at Matuu Police Station, became involved in a confrontation over a woman.
Staff at the lounge reported the disturbance, prompting a swift police response. However, by the time officers arrived at the scene, Kipchoge had already fled the location.
At approximately 5:25 am, Kipchoge returned to Matuu Police Station, where he unlawfully took an AK-47 rifle, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.
The weapon had been assigned to another officer for patrol duties. Armed with the assault rifle, Kipchoge returned to the lounge, followed by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) and additional officers.
Upon encountering him, the officers attempted to question Kipchoge, who stated that he was seeking to arrest a man he accused of stealing his girlfriend.
As police attempted to disarm him, Kipchoge fired all 30 rounds from the rifle in a chaotic altercation.
Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident, and the police were able to subdue him.
Kipchoge was arrested and taken back to Matuu Police Station, where he remains in custody.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Yatta is currently investigating the incident to determine further details and potential charges.
The shooting has raised concerns about the behavior of law enforcement officers, and authorities have pledged to conduct a thorough inquiry.
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