A police officer’s body was found floating on River Moiben in Kapsiliot village, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on Wednesday afternoon, April 23, 2025. The deceased, identified as 48-year-old Justin Kirui, was stationed at a police station in Kisumu County.
The discovery was made by local residents who noticed the body in the river and promptly alerted the authorities. According to Elgeyo Marakwet Police Commander Peter Mulinge, the officer had likely fallen into the river while returning home from a visit to a relative in Kapsiliot village. It is believed that the officer was crossing an improvised wooden bridge when the accident occurred.
Residents speculated that the officer may have been intoxicated when attempting to cross the bridge, leading to a loss of balance and a fall into the river. Upon closer inspection, it was observed that blood was oozing from the officer’s nose, and he had a fresh cut on his head. The area below the bridge contained rocks, and it is suspected that the officer’s head injury resulted from the impact of his fall onto these rocks.
The body was retrieved and taken to the Iten County Referral Morgue for further examination. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death are ongoing. While the fall appears to have been accidental, the injuries observed on the body, particularly the head wound, are being carefully reviewed by forensic experts. Authorities are working to piece together further details that could explain the exact cause of death.
The tragic incident has left the community in shock, as the death of the officer was not anticipated. The family of the deceased, as well as his colleagues at the Kisumu police station, are mourning his untimely demise. The police have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation to confirm whether the fall was purely accidental or if other factors were involved in his death.
As investigations continue, residents and officials are urging caution when using makeshift bridges, particularly during times when they may be unstable due to weather conditions or misuse. The community is also reminded of the dangers of crossing such structures, especially when under the influence of alcohol or other substances that impair judgment and coordination.
In the coming days, the police are expected to release more details regarding the cause of Justin Kirui’s death once the investigations are concluded. Until then, the family and colleagues of the deceased continue to grapple with the loss of a dedicated officer who was well-known in the Kisumu police station.
