A police officer died following a violent attack by suspected armed criminals at Nyaleya police patrol base in Mumias West Sub-County, Kakamega County.
According to police reports, the incident occurred on the night of February 27, 2026, when six unknown attackers riding on two motorcycles allegedly raided the patrol base while posing as victims of motorcycle theft.
Police constable Brian Kipngetich reported that the suspects arrived at the station claiming their motorcycle had been stolen in Sigomere.
Moments later, a commotion erupted at the report office followed by gunfire.
PC Kipngetich sustained a head injury after being shot at and managed to escape to safety.
Responding officers rushed to the scene at Mukhuwa location, about 13 kilometres southeast of Musanda Police Station, where Corporal Richard Utolo was found unconscious in a pool of blood inside the office with a serious gunshot wound.
Two other victims were injured during the attack, including police constable Finace Abura, who sustained injuries to the left ear, and his wife Mary Omondi, who suffered head and hand injuries.
During the incident, the attackers stole two G3 rifles loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition each.
The stolen firearms have been identified as serial numbers G3 AP J52842 and G3 FMP 392287.
“During the incident, two G3 rifles were stolen, 1.s/no G3 ap j52842, 2.G3 fmp 392287, each was loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62×51mm ammunition” read the police report
All injured officers were rushed to Bungoma West Hospital for treatment, where Corporal Utolo was admitted in critical condition.
Police later confirmed that Corporal Utolo succumbed to his injuries at around 2:03 a.m. on February 28, 2026.
His body has been moved to Life Care Hospital Mortuary in Bungoma pending a postmortem examination.
Investigators who visited the scene recovered two crowbars believed to have been used to break into a steel firearm storage box.
Blood stains were reportedly found within officers’ residential houses at the patrol base.
A manhunt has been launched to recover the stolen rifles and apprehend the attackers, while authorities say the motive of the attack remains under investigation.
Police have assured the public that further updates will be provided as investigations continue.
