By Robert Mutasi 
A General Service Unit (GSU) officer is on the run after allegedly shooting dead a 45-year-old woman at the GSU Mess compound in Naiberi, Ainamoi Sub-county, Uasin Gishu County.
The incident occurred on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at around 5 pm. The deceased, identified as Doris Murei, was at the mess compound when she got into an argument with a police constable attached to a governor. Witnesses said Murei had been taking alcohol at the time.
Police said the officer was armed with a rifle during the confrontation and allegedly shot Murei, killing her instantly. The exact cause of the altercation remains unclear.
A team from the Uasin Gishu County Scene of Crime Management Unit, led by County Police Commander Wilborforce Sicharani, visited and processed the scene. Investigators recovered seven spent 9mm cartridges, a Toyota Corolla 110 motor vehicle and a rifle holster, which are being treated as exhibits.
The woman’s body was moved to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary in Eldoret pending a post-mortem examination.
Police said the suspect fled the scene shortly after the shooting and remained at large as of Monday morning. Colleagues have appealed to him to surrender as soon as possible. A manhunt and investigations are ongoing.
Authorities noted that the incident could be linked to the rising cases of trauma among police officers in the country. Police are frequently exposed to high levels of stress and trauma, which in some cases have led to suicide or violence. In response, the National Police Service has launched counselling services, while the National Police Service Commission has established a dedicated unit to address mental health challenges and substance abuse within the force.
Officials say officers are often on the front line of community problems and are expected to maintain law and order in difficult and dangerous situations. Over the years, a spike in deaths within the service has been attributed to unresolved trauma, prompting the government to intensify efforts to support officers’ mental wellbeing.
The shooting has raised fresh concerns about firearm handling, discipline and the psychological pressures faced by members of the security services. Police continue to urge the public with any information that could assist in locating the suspect to come forward.