Police in Gilgil, Nakuru county are investigating an incident where one of their own committed suicide by fatally shooting himself.
Constable John Wambua, of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) based at Jaika camp, is reported to have shot himself in the chest twice for unknown reasons while in his house on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
Wambua locked himself inside the house before he shot himself dead. Neighbours reported the incident after hearing the gunshots from his house.
Officers from the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) based in Gilgil gained entrance by breaking into the house and found him bleeding profusely.
“It was reported by members of the public to the Seargent in-charge at Thome /Bureau police post that a police officer based at Jaika ASTU camp within bureau locations had shot himself and was bleeding profusely. Police officers under the command of the OCS and others from DCI Gilgil rushed to the scene and it was established that APC John Wambua for unknown reasons, shot himself in the chest using his Galil rifle gun serial no KP 47104760,” the police report stated.
The rifle was loaded with 25 rounds of 7.62X 51 MM of ammunition.
The motive of the suicide is yet to be established as he did not leave a suicide note.
The body of the deceased was moved to Gilgil sub-county hospital mortuary awaiting autopsy.
Stress has been attributed to be the main cause of suicide among police officers who commit suicide. The National Police Service Commission established a unit to curb the vice.
