A Kirinyaga Administration Police officer, Sgt John Kamau Ikenye, allegedly shot his partner Betha Wanja Gachoki dead before turning the gun on himself in a suspected murder-suicide in Kimbimbi.
A Kirinyaga Administration Police officer allegedly shot his partner dead before turning the gun on himself in a suspected murder-suicide that has left residents of Kimbimbi in shock.
Don Sami Live has established that the incident occurred on Monday, July 20, after the 56-year-old officer, identified as Sergeant John Kamau Ikenye and attached to Mwea East Sub-County, allegedly fired five shots inside their shared home, killing both his partner, Betha Wanja Gachoki, and himself. According to preliminary investigations, the officer shot Wanja four times in the chest before using the same firearm to shoot himself in the neck.
How the Bodies Were Discovered
The incident only came to light when fellow officers went to his station house to collect firearm keys. After receiving no response despite repeated knocks, they peered through a window and spotted the woman's body, prompting them to force their way into the house.
They quickly alerted Mwea East Administration Police Commander Stephen Okal, who rushed to the scene and ordered the door forced open moments later.
Inside the sitting room, they discovered the officer's lifeless body, bringing a devastating end to what neighbours described as a quiet, three-year relationship.
Police believe the gunshots went unheard because the house sits deep behind overgrown trees and thick branches that muffled the sound from passersby.
Remembered by Neighbours
Wanja, a familiar face in Kimbimbi trading centre where she ran a small shop, was fondly remembered by locals as warm and welcoming to everyone she served.
Neighbours also recalled Kamau as friendly and dependable, having once worked as a bank guard in nearby Ngurubani before his final posting to Mwea East.
Commander Okal confirmed that relatives from both families have since arrived at the scene, with Wanja's kin coming from within Kirinyaga and Kamau's family travelling from Kiambu County.
Investigations Ongoing
Detectives from Mwea East have launched fresh investigations into the incident, as both bodies were moved to Kerugoya Hospital mortuary pending further examination.