SPIV Officer Fatally Shot During Routine Motorcycle Inspection in Thika

A police constable attached to the Special Police Intercept and Verification (SPIV) unit was fatally shot on Tuesday evening, June 18, in Cravers, Thika West Sub-County, during a routine motorcycle inspection that took a deadly turn.

According to eyewitness accounts, the officers had stopped a rider whose motorcycle lacked the official town registration code an initiative introduced to curb rising cases of robberies involving criminals posing as bodaboda operators. During the inspection, a scuffle broke out, and the suspect suddenly drew a firearm, shooting the officer in the throat at close range.

The officer’s colleagues took cover as the gunman fled on foot. In the chaos, the suspect ran several meters before commandeering another motorcycle that was ferrying a passenger near Royale Hotel. He managed to escape, but in his haste, he dropped a loaded magazine that was later recovered by crime scene investigators.

The injured officer was rushed to Thika Nursing Home but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

Confirming the incident, Thika DCIO Jacinta Mbaika said detectives are actively pursuing the assailant and that a comprehensive statement will be released once preliminary investigations are complete.

The SPIV unit has been instrumental in enforcing new identification codes for motorcycles, a move aimed at enhancing security and combating crime in urban and peri-urban areas. The killing of the officer has sparked shock and outrage among residents and the police fraternity alike, highlighting the growing risks officers face while conducting their duties.

Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect, as investigations into the tragic shooting continue.

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