A wave of shock and concern has gripped Kisumu County after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer was brutally killed in a suspected ambush by unknown attackers.
The early morning incident which happened in Seme area, prompted police to launch urgent investigations to establish the motive and the perpetrators.
The police found out that the bloody attack had also left another man in the area seriously injured.
According to local authorities, the incident occurred on Saturday morning as the KDF officer and his companion were heading home from Asat Beach. The two were ambushed by assailants armed with sharp objects, who viciously attacked them before fleeing the scene under unclear circumstances.
The attackers reportedly inflicted deep cuts to the victims’ heads and limbs, leaving both men bleeding profusely on the ground. Members of the public responded to distress calls and helped rush the injured men to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral Hospital (JOORH) for emergency treatment.
The KDF officer, aged 46 and attached to Embakasi Barracks, succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital at around 4:00AM, despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life. His companion survived the attack and remains admitted at the same facility, where he is receiving treatment for serious wounds. Hospital sources say his condition is stable but critical.
Following the officer’s death, his body was transferred from JOORH to Kwea Funeral Home, where it is being preserved pending a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Speaking to the press hours after the incident, West Othany Assistant Chief Richard Jaoko confirmed that security agencies had launched investigations into the attack. He said police officers and other security personnel were working all-round-the-clock to establish the motive behind the assault and track down the suspects.
“The matter is under active investigation, and we are appealing to members of the public to share any information that may help identify the attackers,” Jaoko said.
The killing has raised fresh concerns over security in parts of Kisumu County, with residents calling for increased patrols and enhanced safety measures, particularly in areas frequented by revelers during the night.
By the time of publication, no arrests had been made, and police said investigations and stinging manhunt had been activated.