A night of revelry at the Imperial Lounge in Yatta, Machakos County, took a dramatic and violent turn early on Friday morning when a police officer, Constable Fredrick Kipchoge, opened fire during a disagreement over a woman. The incident, which involved a shooting spree in a public space, has sparked alarm and prompted a thorough investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
It all began at around 2:40 a.m. when a row broke out at the popular bar. According to witnesses and a police report seen by Citizen Digital, Constable Kipchoge was involved in a heated altercation with another man over a woman, a dispute that quickly escalated beyond verbal exchanges. In the midst of the altercation, Kipchoge caused significant disturbance, alarming staff and patrons of the establishment. The situation prompted the staff to report the matter to the police.
Upon arrival, police officers found that Kipchoge had already left the scene, having apparently noticed their approach. While the officers began to investigate the situation, Kipchoge had left the Imperial Lounge, seemingly evading immediate capture. However, his actions were far from over.
Around 5:25 a.m., Kipchoge returned to the Matuu Police Station, where he seized an AK-47 assault rifle from the police station’s reports office. The firearm, which was loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, was designated for another officer who was assigned patrol duties. It remains unclear why Kipchoge chose to take the weapon, but the fact that he did so with such ease raises concerns about security and weapon handling within the police station.
Armed with the assault rifle, Kipchoge then made his way back to the Imperial Lounge, where he intended to confront the man he accused of “stealing” his girlfriend. The situation took an even more dangerous turn when Kipchoge was met by additional officers, including the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), who had followed him to the lounge in an effort to de-escalate the situation.
Upon confronting Kipchoge, the officers questioned his intentions. According to Kipchoge, he was there to arrest the man he believed had stolen his girlfriend. Despite the officers’ attempts to defuse the situation, it soon became apparent that Kipchoge had no intention of complying with their orders.
In an attempt to restrain Kipchoge and disarm him, officers moved in from behind. The situation quickly spiraled into chaos as Kipchoge, in a moment of panic or defiance, opened fire. In what can only be described as a reckless and dangerous act, Kipchoge fired all 30 rounds from the rifle, spraying bullets in the direction of the officers and the surrounding area. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, but the potential for tragedy was immense.
The officers at the scene were eventually able to subdue and disarm Kipchoge, preventing further bloodshed. He was arrested on the spot and taken back to Matuu Police Station, where he was placed in custody. The authorities acted swiftly to contain the situation, but questions about the officer’s behavior, the handling of police firearms, and the overall security at Matuu Police Station remain.
The DCI’s Yatta branch has since launched an investigation into the incident, which has drawn widespread attention. The case highlights concerns over the mental stability of police officers, especially those entrusted with firearms, and the need for stricter protocols regarding the handling of weapons within the police force.
As the investigation continues, the public remains anxious over the implications of such an event. While the matter appears to be an isolated one, it underscores the need for thorough checks and accountability within the ranks of law enforcement. The shooting incident is a stark reminder of the potential dangers when personal grievances, especially those involving emotions and relationships, are left unchecked.
