A Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) ranger shot and killed a police officer before taking his own life in a shocking incident that unfolded on Wednesday afternoon in Virungani village, Kwale County.
The ranger, identified as John Ndichu, opened fire on Constable Stanley Karithi of Kilibasi Police Post following a confrontation by the roadside along the Nyango–Kilibasi Road.
Police said the incident occurred at around 2pm when Constable Karithi and a colleague stopped a motorbike rider who was ferrying sacks of charcoal for routine questioning.
As the officers engaged the rider, Ndichu arrived at the scene in the company of another KWS ranger. Both rangers were attached to the nearby Kilibasi KWS camp and were well known to the police officers.
According to police reports, tensions escalated after Karithi confronted Ndichu over two goats allegedly donated by a local rancher for Christmas festivities.
The officers believed Ndichu had collected the goats but failed to hand them over as required. Ndichu reportedly denied the allegations, became agitated, and suddenly drew his AK-47 rifle, opening fire.
Constable Karithi was shot four times in the chest, killing him instantly. Ndichu then turned the weapon on Karithi’s colleague and the boda boda rider, shooting both in the ribs and leaving them with serious injuries.
Moments later, Ndichu used the remaining bullets to fatally shoot himself in the head.
Police recovered Ndichu’s firearm along with two magazines loaded with 49 rounds of ammunition, while the second ranger’s weapon was found with three magazines containing 90 bullets.
The injured officer and motorbike rider were rushed to hospital and are reported to be in serious but stable condition. The bodies of the deceased were taken to the mortuary for post-mortem examinations as investigations into the incident continue.
