Police in Kirinyaga are investigating an incident where a police officer killed his partner before taking his own life at a school’s staff quarters in Mwea East.

According to police, the incident was reported at approximately 11:45am on Monday in Kimbimbi sub-location, Nyangati.

Responding officers visited the residence shared by Administration Police Sergeant John Kamau Ikenye and Betha Wanja Gachoki.

Peering through a window, officers spotted both bodies inside the house before forcing entry to secure the scene.

Investigators found Wanja lying on a bed with three gunshot wounds to her chest and left hand.

Sergeant Ikenye’s body was found seated on a chair, holding his service-issued G3 rifle.

Preliminary findings suggest the officer shot Wanja before turning the weapon on himself, suffering a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chin.

Based on accounts from neighbors, police believe the tragedy occurred between 2am and 3am.

Crime scene investigators recovered the G3 rifle, which contained 14 rounds in the magazine and one live round still chambered.

Five spent cartridges were also retrieved from the scene.

Following preliminary processing and documentation, both bodies were transferred to the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary pending post-mortem examinations.

While police have launched a full investigation to establish the circumstances and motive behind the shooting, the incident highlights a persistent crisis, as suicide remains the leading cause of death among police officers.