Residents of Mokowe village in Lamu West are reeling from a devastating incident involving a General Service Unit (GSU) officer and his family. The early morning of Sunday, May 11, turned somber after authorities responded to a tragic scene at the officer’s residence.
Early Morning Incident Shocks Community
At approximately 5am, neighbours reported hearing gunshots, prompting a swift response. Upon arrival, law enforcement found three members of the same family— the officer, his wife, and their young daughter—dead. The incident has left the community in shock, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss.
Dispute May Have Preceded the Tragedy
According to reports from local witnesses, there had been a disagreement between the couple the previous night. Investigators believe the altercation may have escalated, leading to the unfortunate outcome. Preliminary findings suggest a domestic issue could have played a role.
Authorities Launch Investigation
Lamu County Commissioner Wesley Koech confirmed the incident, noting that a full investigation is underway to determine the cause and events leading up to the tragedy. Forensic teams and detectives are working to uncover more details and whether any prior signs of distress were evident.
Focus on Police Mental Health
This incident is part of a growing concern surrounding the mental well-being of security personnel. In recent months, similar cases have been reported in other parts of the country, highlighting the need for increased psychological support within the National Police Service.
The NPS has in response strengthened its mental health support systems, including the establishment of a counselling unit aimed at assisting officers dealing with personal or job-related challenges.
Community Urged to Remain Calm
The bodies have since been transferred to Mpeketoni Sub-County Hospital mortuary as investigations continue. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm as they seek to establish the facts and prevent similar cases in the future.