Vihiga County, Kenya – Tension is high in Luanda, Vihiga County, after a police officer allegedly shot and killed his colleague while they were on duty at a government fertilizer depot. The tragic incident has sparked outrage, triggered a nationwide manhunt, and raised questions about safety within the police force.
Fatal Shooting at Esirabe Depot
The incident occurred on the night of Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Esirabe Fertilizer Depot, where two officers had been assigned to guard vital government supplies.
The victim, identified as Constable Nicholas Samoei, was found dead with a fatal bullet wound to the head. Initial claims by the suspect that Samoei had committed suicide were quickly dismissed after forensic investigators established the bullet trajectory and recovered both officers’ rifles.
Murder, Not Suicide – Investigators Confirm
Confirming the case, Luanda Sub-County Police Commander Richard Siele stated that the evidence clearly pointed to foul play:
“The deceased was shot in the face, and the bullet exited through the back of his head. From the forensic evidence collected, it is clear that this was not suicide but murder.”
Commander Siele added that the suspect made a suspicious call after the shooting, falsely claiming that Samoei had taken his own life, before disappearing and switching off his phone.
Suspect on the Run and Armed
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene, leaving his post unattended. Authorities have since launched a multi-agency manhunt, warning the public that the officer is considered armed and dangerous.
Residents living near the depot reported hearing multiple gunshots between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., only to later discover that Constable Samoei had been killed.
Body Taken to Mortuary as Probe Intensifies
Samoei’s body was moved to the Vihiga County Referral Hospital Mortuary for preservation and post-mortem as investigations into the motive behind the killing continue.
Authorities are urging the public to share any information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest, assuring that all tips will be treated with confidentiality.
Broader Concerns Over Police Discipline
This shocking case has reignited debate over police discipline, stress management, and internal accountability within the National Police Service. Critics argue that frequent cases of police officers turning their weapons on colleagues, family members, or civilians point to deeper systemic issues, including poor working conditions and lack of proper mental health support for officers.
As the manhunt intensifies, Kenyans are demanding swift justice for Constable Nicholas Samoei, while also calling for urgent reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
