KWS Officer Opens Fire on Police, Kills One Officer Before Shooting Himself

A Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officer in Kwale County opened fire on Kenya Police officers on Wednesday, January 14 2026, killing one officer before turning the gun on himself.

The incident occurred along the Nyango–Kilibasi route and has prompted investigations by security agencies in the coastal region.

According to a preliminary police report, two police officers drawn from the National Police Service on patrol encountered two KWS rangers while stopping a motorcycle transporting charcoal.

A confrontation reportedly arose during the interaction, leading to the fatal shooting.

KWS Ranger Shoots Police Officer Dead in Kwale

Police said the KWS ranger fired at the officers, fatally injuring one and seriously wounding another before shooting himself at the scene. Authorities have since secured the area as investigations continue.

The report identified the slain police officer as PC Stanley Karithi, while his colleague, PC Aftin Farah Ali, was injured and rushed to Voi Hospital for treatment. The charcoal rider, identified as Salim Mwandoro, was also injured and taken to Mariakani Hospital.

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The KWS officer involved in the shooting was identified as Ranger John Ndichu, attached to Kilibasi KWS Camp. He was accompanied by another ranger, Eric Mugambi, who was not reported to have fired any shots.

Investigators said the dispute stemmed from allegations that two goats, reportedly collected by the ranger on behalf of the police officers during the festive season, had not been delivered. The disagreement escalated before gunfire was exchanged.

“Ranger John Ndichu became hostile and opened fire using his rifle. He shot PC Stanley Karithi four (4) times in the chest, killing him instantly. He then shot PC Aftin Farah Ali once in the right ribs, seriously injuring him. The injured officer was rushed to Voi Hospital,” the report said.

The ranger also shot Salim Mwandoro in the right ribs, seriously injuring him. He was rushed to Mariakani Hospital,” read the police report.

Officers who responded to the scene processed the area, recovered two MK-7 rifles belonging to the KWS officers, and transferred the bodies to Voi Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for post-mortem examination.

Past Incidents of Shooting Among Police Officers

Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Cases of police officers shooting their own colleagues have also occurred in the recent past.

On June 29, 2025, in Ng’iya, Siaya County, Constable Martin Mwendwa allegedly shot and killed his superior, Corporal Chesise, who was the station’s officer-in-charge, early in the morning. Mwendwa then fled, but his colleagues pursued him and fatally shot him.

Also Read: IPOA Issues Update on Mombasa Shooting of Grade 6 Boy

In March 2025, in Gigiri, Nairobi, a police officer attached to Parliament, Nahashon Kipkosgey Limo, opened fire during a bar dispute, fatally shooting Constable Eric Muga of Runda Police Station and injuring Corporal Philip Kae of the Judiciary.

The shooter was subdued by his colleagues. Authorities cited stress and mental health as potential factors in such escalating incidents.

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