Kenya: Killer Cop Arraigned in Court

By Eric Sande

SIAKAGO---The Administration Police officer who shot ten people dead over the weekend in a suspected love triangle was yesterday arraigned in court but was not allowed to plead to the murder charges as the prosecution had not finalised investigations. Police constable Peter Karanja, who has since been established to be HIV positive and mentally deranged went on a killing spree in the eastern Kenyan town of Siakago after allegedly being informed that his estranged girlfriend, Florence Marigu, was enjoying the good company of another man.  

Karanja was on night duty at a sentry box at the District Commissioner's residence before excusing himself to answer a call of nature but instead embarked on a mission to search for his girlfriend in the nearby night clubs. When he failed to find her, he unleashed his G3 rifle on anybody he came across. Within 20 minutes, 20 people lay dead in the night.

The patrons he shot dead were caught by surprise, perhaps thinking that the uniformed officer was on night patrol. Regrettably the gun turned at them, blazing as they probably had only seen in movies and in seconds, they were still; killed by the gun and hand that was supposed to protect them.

The officer, who apparently was also on a suicide mission, forgot to spare some bullets for himself. When he finally ran out of them, he surrendered himself to Siakago police station.

“The officer came to Siakago police station and told the officers on the Occurence Book (OB) desk that he had shot and killed 10 people and that he had emptied the magazine,” said the area OCPD Jecinta Wesonga.

The sad incident has left local resident in agony as some of the killed were the bread winners in their homes. They argue the government to ensure that those that they entrust with weapons are of sound mind to avoid this kind of disaster ever happening again

“It is the first incident of its kind and we are shocked. It is a matter of serious concern,” said Police spokesman Erick Kiraithe.