Police officer shoots friend, kills self over Sh400 beer bill
A police officer on Wednesday shot his friend at a local bar before turning the gun on himself, following a disagreement over Sh400 debt.
Constable Isaac Wanjala, who was stationed at Elburgon police station, and his friend Samuel Onsoro were drinking at Friends Club in Elburgon town. The club is owned by Mr Onsoro.
While nursing severe head injuries at Nakuru level five hospital, Mr Onsoro told Nation that the police officer was a regular at the club and that he rarely cleared his debt.
“On Wednesday around 2am, Wanjala came into the club he bought me a bottle of beer and bought one for himself as well but when the waiter brought the bill, Wanjala refused to pay it,” Mr Onsoro narrated.
He said he insisted that Wanjala should pay the bill but Wanjala refused.
He said he called the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Elburgon who advised him to confiscate Mr Wanjala’s phone until the debt was paid.
“I took the phone and we walked out with Wanjala hurling insults at me. He threatened that he would shoot me but I did not think he was serious.”
Mr Onsoro said he, together with a friend, proceeded to Club 50 where the shooting occurred.
A source revealed to Nation that Mr Wanjala was on night duty but did not have any firearm with him.
The source said, “Mr Wanjala went to the police quarters which is about 200meters away from Club 50, took his G3 rifle and followed Mr Onsoro where he shot him on the head. He then shot himself on the neck, dying on the spot.”
His body was taken to Elburgon sub county mortuary.
The nurse in charge at Nakuru Level Five hospital said the bullet entered the head through Mr Onsoro’s left side and exited through the right eye.
“His right eye is completely shattered but the left one can be reconstructed,” Ms Florence Nzomo said.
He added that Mr Onsoro was in a stable condition although he had lost a lot of blood.
Molo Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Daniel Kamanza, who confirmed the incident, said the event was an effect of alcohol abuse.
“Investigations show that the two did not have any history of arguments or strife. It was a decision purely influenced by too much alcohol intake,” Mr Kamanza said.
