Police have launched a manhunt after a constable attached to the Special Police Intercept and Verification (SPIV) unit was shot dead on Tuesday evening during a routine motorcycle inspection in Thika Town.

The officer was part of a four-man patrol at the Cravers area in Thika West Sub-County when they stopped a motorcyclist whose bike lacked the unique registration code used to identify licensed boda boda operators in the town.

An argument broke out after one of the officers removed the motorcycle’s ignition key, according to eyewitness Peter Kariuki.

“When one of the officers removed the bike’s ignition key, an argument flared up between the officers and the rider, who was eating a pineapple at the time,” said Kariuki.

The rider overpowered the officer, drew a pistol and shot him in the throat. The other officers took cover and could not return fire as the suspect fled.

The gunman ran off on foot before hijacking another motorcycle near the Royale Hotel.

“I was rushing to drop off my customer, a lady who wanted to get home before her children left school. As we approached the area near the Royale Hotel in Section 9, a man suddenly jumped out and stopped us. He pulled out a pistol and ordered both of us to get off the motorbike,” said Martin Mburu, the boda boda rider whose motorcycle was taken.

Mburu said the attacker fled on his bike but abandoned it shortly after near the Mugumo tree. Crime scene officers recovered a loaded magazine at the scene.

The wounded officer was taken to Thika Nursing Home but succumbed to his injuries.

Thika Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officer Jacinta Mbaika confirmed the fatal shooting and said detectives were pursuing the suspect.

“Detectives are following crucial leads and will issue a comprehensive statement once preliminary findings are complete,” said Mbaika.

National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga also confirmed the incident and appealed to the public to help identify the gunman.

“We commend members of the public for providing crucial information regarding the incident and appeal to anyone with further details to contact the nearest police station or use our toll-free numbers,” said Nyaga.

Nyaga added that the police remain committed to dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding lives across the country.