A police officer who went missing with his rifle from his post in Rabai, Kilifi County, was apprehended hours later following a dramatic search. The G3 rifle, along with 20 bullets, was also recovered from its location where the officer had left it before disappearing.
The officer had been missing since Friday, September 6, after finishing a night shift at the Rabai Kenya Power Station. The head of the armory noticed the weapon was not returned and contacted the officer to determine his whereabouts. The officer claimed he had left the weapon under containers at his workplace, citing an emergency meeting at his rural home in Meru.
A search was initially conducted without success. However, the officer was eventually located and arrested at the Mariakani weighbridge while traveling in a public service vehicle. He was taken back to retrieve the rifle and was subsequently held in custody pending internal disciplinary action.
The reasons behind his unauthorized absence remain unclear, but there are concerns about the rising issue of trauma among police officers. Officials highlight that police often face extreme community challenges and are expected to uphold law and order under stressful conditions, which can lead to increased mental health issues and, in some cases, suicide.
As part of efforts to address the trend, police authorities have launched counselling services and the National Police Service Commission has established a unit and staffed it to attend to their demanding situation.
The counselling unit will, among other things, evaluate, design and lead an outreach programme that helps prevent mental health and substance abuse.
At least three suicide cases involving police officers are recorded every month.
