Police officer killed in attack during curfew

A police officer was killed in Rabai, Kilifi county and his firearm stolen as he enforced the curfew.

His colleague escaped unhurt during the Sunday night incident.

The victim, Kelvin Kiragu, a police constable was beheaded in Bondora-Mwakirunge road, according to the police who said together with Brian Mwadime who survived the attack, he was enforcing the curfew.

Mwadime was unhurt and he is helping the police with investigations.

While fleeing after the killing, the assailants attacked a boda boda rider who is recuperating at a local medical centre.

The boda boda's passenger who has been identified as Mwamuye Mwarungu, 29, was taken to Holani Medical Centre, and the police said he is in stable condition.

Reports from the police indicate the two officers were patrolling the area to enforce the curfew imposed by the State to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Kilifi county police commander James Mugera confirmed the incident and said a manhunt for the assailants has been launched.

The attackers also made away with the officer's rifle and 20 rounds of ammunition. 

Officers who visited the scene said the officer had deep cuts on the head and body.

Last month, rowdy bodaboda riders attacked two police officers in Malindi at BP area after a traffic police officer arrested the riders for not complying with social distancing regulations.

Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai issued a stern warning over attacks on police officers.