A Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer has been arrested after allegedly shooting dead two boda boda riders in Thika in the early hours of Sunday, September 7.

According to a police report, the officer, identified as Constable Eric G.N. from DCI Headquarters, was involved in a minor accident near Makongeni Police Station between his Audi and a motorcycle. 

Witnesses reported that the officer appeared intoxicated and violent, and during a heated altercation, he opened fire, fatally wounding two men.

According to the report, the parties involved proceeded to Makongeni Police Station to report the accident when traffic officers were called to the scene. 

Thika West Police Commander confirmed that the call was made at around 5:33 AM, and officers arrived approximately 17 minutes later.

However, by the time officers from Makongeni Police Station arrived at the accident scene, the DCI officer had already shot and killed the two riders.

"The parties proceeded to Makongeni Police Station to report. Traffic officers on standby were called at around 5:33 am and arrived at the scene at 5:50 a.m. The driver of the vehicle appeared drunk, rowdy, and armed. He became confrontational and refused to be disarmed. 

"During the melee, the officer shot two bystanders, namely Kennedy Ojuma, aged 38, and Stephen Mwendwa Maweu, aged 39. They both succumbed to their injuries," the report read.

Following the incident, enraged residents set the officer’s Audi on fire despite attempts by fellow riders to calm the crowd.

Constable Eric was swiftly disarmed and taken into custody, while his firearm was seized. The bodies of the victims were transferred to General Cargo Mortuary as investigations continue.

This development comes two weeks after four traffic police officers were arrested by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for allegedly extorting bribes along the Nairobi–Nyeri–Embu Highway. 

In a statement on Thursday, August 28, the EACC said the four solicited and received bribes from motorists and matatu operators along the busy highway.

"The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has today arrested four traffic police officers for allegedly soliciting and receiving bribes from motorists, matatu operators, and truck drivers along the Nairobi–Nyeri–Embu Highway," the statement read.

According to the EACC, the arrests were made after intelligence reports and a covert operation targeting rogue officers. 

"The arrests followed an undercover operation conducted by EACC after receiving reports from members of the public regarding rampant extortion along the busy highway. 

"Those apprehended include Georgina Syokau (service number-85527), Robert Mwenda (service number-84890), and Gladys Cherono (service number-105724), all attached to Makutano Traffic Base, as well as Pauline Anyango (service number-96947) from Juja Traffic Base," the statement added.