Meru Police Officer Stressed Over Finances Found Dead Inside Station

• Simon Gitonga was found dead in his house within the Ngusishi police post where he was stationed
• Preliminary investigations by his colleagues pointed to self-harm using an AK47 rifle in his custody
• According to the police, Gitonga had complained about financial and relationship problems in a note he left behind

Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Meru - A police officer stationed at the Ngusishi police post in Timau has been discovered dead in his house.

Simon Gitonga's body was found on the morning of Wednesday, December 27.

Preliminary investigations by officers from the Timau Police Station pointed to fatal self-harm by the deceased.

Police suspect their colleague used his assigned AK 47 riffle to take his life.

“Death of a police officer/s incident: NO 70128 Simon Gitonga in charge of the Ngusishi police post has shot himself dead today morning at about 03:45hrs 27.12.2023 with his assigned rifle AK47 while inside his house within the police post compound,” read an excerpt of the police report.

Finacial and relationship problems

Capital FM reported that the bullet penetrated the base of his chin, exiting at the forehead.

Police, in the course of the probe, stumbled on a note on which Gitonga had indicated his stress was brought about by financial and relationship challenges.

“A note was found suggesting financial matters involving a relationship. Detailed report to follow as the scene is being processed,” police said.

Separately, police in Nakuru recently undertook investigations into another fatal incident involving a law enforcer.

An officer identified as Nicholas Musau, based at Nakuru Central Police Station, shot dead a barmaid during an altercation at Vega Club on December 12.

Three other people were injured and rushed to Nakuru Level 5 Hospital.

How KSh 16k bill led to fatal shooting in Nakuru

According to the police report, Musau picked up a quarrel with the barmaid, who had demanded that he clear a bill of KSh 16,000 for the drinks he had taken.

The argument escalated with the officer opening fire, fatally injuring the barmaid, identified as Ann Maina, and leaving three others with bullet wounds before fleeing.

Police said the four victims comprised two men and two women.

“He picked a quarrel with the barmaids at the said bar over bills for the drinks he had taken. In the process, a fracas ensued, and the officer fatally injured the said barmaid, namely Ann Maina,” the investigators said.

The officer was later arrested and locked up at Kaptebwa Police Station.

A pistol with two rounds of ammunition and six spent cartridges were recovered.

The owner of the establishment, identified as Laura Atamba Kwasira, also sustained severe gunshot injuries and died.