A junior police officer accidentally shot and seriously injured himself while conducting safety precautions on his pistol at the General Service Unit Magadi Training Camp in Kajiado County.
The officer, who is part of a group undergoing refresher courses at the camp, sustained a serious bullet wound to his left thigh. He was discovered bleeding at the Kamukuru area of the camp after colleagues heard a gunshot and his screams.
According to the officer, the incident occurred as he was clearing his loaded Jericho pistol, which contained 14 bullets. One spent cartridge and the pistol were recovered at the scene following the incident on Tuesday, December 17. He was rushed to Magadi Hospital, where officials reported his condition as stable.
Incidents like this are not uncommon among officers during safety drills, despite training on proper handling and precautions.
In a separate incident, police recovered three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, and 120 rounds of ammunition during an operation in the Manyatta Daba/Segel area of Marsabit County. Acting on intelligence, police discovered the weapons hidden in a homestead, allegedly in preparation for a mission. Three suspects were arrested, and investigations are underway to determine if the weapons were used in previous crimes.
Meanwhile, in Kangeta area, Meru County, bandits raided a village and stole 64 heads of cattle. The animals were driven to an unknown location, prompting a police response. Efforts to recover the livestock and apprehend the culprits are ongoing.
The government has intensified operations to combat cattle rustling and illegal firearm possession in several counties. Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift, launched in February 2023, has led to significant progress, including the recovery of 172 illegal firearms and over 10,000 stolen livestock.
The initiative, targeting nine counties affected by banditry and violence, has resulted in a 62% reduction in cattle rustling cases and the arrest of 250 suspects, including 14 political leaders. The operation involves coordinated efforts by the National Police Service (NPS) and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to restore peace and stability in the region.
