A police officer was fatally stabbed by a colleague during an altercation at the Salama Police Post in Laikipia West Constituency on the evening of Friday, January 2, 2026.
Police said Constable Victor Chesang’ Mengich, 42, was on duty when he reportedly attacked Constable Abel Kivoto Kimanzi.
The altercation turned fatal before members of the public from the nearby Salama shopping centre intervened.
Sergeant Wahome Muigai Muiruri, the officer in charge of the police post, told his superiors that he was at the shopping centre when he heard distress calls and saw the two officers struggling from a distance.
He rushed to the scene and found Mengich armed with a knife.
Kimanzi was stabbed on the left side of the stomach and collapsed, later succumbing to his injuries.
Police have not yet confirmed what triggered the altercation.
Kimanzi was among 20 police officers recognised for their dedication and bravery by the Chandaria Foundation during the annual Chandaria Bravery Award ceremony on December 9, 2025, held at the National Police Service (NPS) headquarters and presided over by Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
Witnesses said Sergeant Muigai, assisted by another officer, attempted to restrain the assailant but sustained injuries in the process.
Members of the public eventually helped subdue Mengich, who was then handcuffed and taken, along with Muigai, to the Salama dispensary for initial treatment before being referred to Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital.
The injuries sustained were mainly to the head and arms.
Muigai was treated and discharged, while Mengich was detained at Nyahururu Police Station pending investigation.
The body of the deceased was taken to a local mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over mental health and trauma in the police service.
In recent weeks, at least three officers have died by suicide, highlighting a continuing challenge in the force.
Authorities say that police officers are exposed to high-stress situations that can lead to trauma, and efforts are being made to provide support.
The National Police Service Commission has established a counselling unit tasked with evaluating, designing, and leading outreach programmes to address mental health and substance abuse among officers.
Officials note that officers are often on the front lines of community problems, maintaining law and order under difficult circumstances and putting their lives at risk.
The World Health Organization identifies factors such as job-related stress, legal difficulties, personal losses, mental health disorders, and substance misuse as contributing to deaths among law enforcement personnel.
The government says it continues to implement measures aimed at addressing mental health challenges within the police service.