AP police officer kills partner before taking own life in Kirinyaga murder-suicide
Wanja sustained three gunshot wounds to the chest and left hand, while Ikenye suffered a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chin, with the bullet exiting through the left side of his head.
An Administration Police officer allegedly shot and killed his partner before turning the gun on himself in a tragic murder-suicide at staff quarters within a school in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County yesterday at dawn.
The incident was reported at about 11.45 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Kimbimbi sub-location in Nyangati location, according to police.
Officers responding to the scene found the bodies of Administration Police Sergeant John Kamau Ikenye and Betha Wanja Gachoki, who had been living together in the school staff quarters.
Police said they first peered through a window of the locked house and spotted the two bodies before forcing their way inside.
Inside the house, investigators found Wanja’s body lying on a bed, while Ikenye’s body was seated on a chair, still holding a G3 service rifle.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the officer allegedly shot Wanja before using the same firearm to take his own life.
Detectives believe the shooting occurred between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. based on information obtained from neighbours.
Wanja sustained three gunshot wounds to the chest and left hand, while Ikenye suffered a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chin, with the bullet exiting through the left side of his head.
Crime scene investigators recovered the G3 rifle believed to have been used in the shooting.
The firearm had a magazine loaded with 14 rounds, while one live round remained chambered. Detectives also recovered five spent cartridges from the scene.
The scene was processed and documented before the bodies were moved to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary, where post-mortem examinations are expected to establish the exact cause of death.
Police have launched investigations to determine the circumstances and possible motive behind the fatal shooting.
The incident adds to growing concern over the mental health and welfare of security officers. Suicide continues to be the leading cause of death among police officers in Kenya, prompting repeated calls for stronger psychological support, counselling services and early intervention programmes within the National Police Service.
