Police Officer Arrested in Eldoret Double Shooting Over Suspected Love Triangle

On the night of June 26, 2025, a quiet bar in Kapsoya, a bustling suburb of Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County, became the scene of a tragic double shooting that left two people dead and a community in shock. A police officer, identified as Constable John Kipruto, was arrested after allegedly gunning down his girlfriend, Mercy Chebet, and another man, Paul Kiptoo, in what authorities suspect was a crime of passion fueled by a love triangle. The incident, which unfolded in front of stunned patrons, has reignited debates about police accountability, firearm misuse, and the personal conduct of officers in Kenya, where public trust in law enforcement remains fragile. The arrest of Kipruto, a serving officer at Eldoret Central Police Station, has prompted calls for stricter oversight of police behavior and swift justice for the victims.

The shooting occurred around 10 p.m. at the popular Skyline Bar, a lively spot frequented by locals and known for its vibrant atmosphere. According to eyewitnesses, Kipruto entered the bar in civilian clothing but carrying his service firearm, a Ceska pistol issued for his duties. Witnesses described a heated confrontation between Kipruto, Chebet, and Kiptoo, who were seated together at a corner table. “They were arguing loudly, and you could tell it was personal,” said Jane Wanjiru, a waitress who was serving nearby tables. “Suddenly, the officer stood up, pulled out a gun, and fired. It was chaos—people were screaming and running for cover.” Chebet, a 27-year-old hairdresser, was shot in the chest and died instantly, while Kiptoo, a 32-year-old mechanic, was struck in the head and succumbed to his injuries en route to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Police reports indicate that Kipruto fled the scene immediately after the shooting but was apprehended hours later at a hideout in Langas estate following a tip-off from a resident. Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed the arrest, stating that Kipruto was disarmed and is being held at Eldoret Central Police Station pending investigations. “We are treating this as a double murder case,” Mwanthi said during a press briefing. “The suspect will face the full force of the law, and we urge the public to remain calm as we establish the facts.” Preliminary investigations suggest that Kipruto and Chebet had been in a tumultuous relationship for over a year, with Kiptoo allegedly a romantic rival, though details remain under wraps as detectives piece together the motive.

The incident has sent shockwaves through Eldoret, a city known for its vibrant economy and as a hub for athletics training. Residents, already grappling with rising insecurity and recent protests over police brutality, expressed outrage at the officer’s actions. “How can someone trusted to protect us turn into a killer?” asked Peter Njoroge, a boda boda rider who knew Chebet. “This man misused his gun and his power. We want justice for Mercy and Paul.” The shooting comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of the National Police Service, following high-profile cases like the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody and the shooting of a vendor during protests in Nairobi earlier in June 2025. These incidents have fueled public distrust, with many questioning the discipline and mental health of officers entrusted with firearms.

Chebet’s family, devastated by her loss, described her as a hardworking and ambitious woman who ran a successful salon in Eldoret’s Huruma estate. “Mercy was our light,” said her mother, Grace Chebet, through tears. “She didn’t deserve this. We want to know why this officer took her life and why he was carrying a gun in a bar.” Kiptoo’s family, meanwhile, painted a picture of a dedicated mechanic who supported his younger siblings. “Paul was fixing cars to build a better future,” said his brother, Samuel Kiptoo. “This officer destroyed two families in one night. He must answer for it.” Both families have called for a transparent investigation and swift prosecution, with community leaders organizing a candlelight vigil to honor the victims.

The incident has also drawn attention to the issue of domestic violence and crimes of passion in Kenya, where similar cases have made headlines in recent years. In 2023, an Eldoret policewoman was arrested for shooting her husband during a domestic dispute, highlighting a troubling pattern of officers misusing service weapons in personal conflicts. “This is not just about one officer; it’s about a system that fails to monitor those who carry guns,” said Mary Wambui, a gender activist in Eldoret. “We need psychological evaluations and stricter rules on how officers handle their firearms off-duty.” The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has announced it will investigate the shooting, focusing on whether Kipruto was authorized to carry his weapon outside duty hours.

Local leaders have weighed in, urging calm while demanding accountability. Uasin Gishu Woman Representative Gladys Shollei called the incident a “tragic abuse of power” and urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to expedite the probe. “Our officers must be held to the highest standards,” she said. “This is a betrayal of public trust.” Eldoret South MCA David Mutai, whose ward includes Kapsoya, promised to support the victims’ families and push for reforms in police training. “We cannot have officers turning their guns on the people they’re meant to protect,” he said. The county government has also pledged counseling services for witnesses traumatized by the shooting.

The broader context of police conduct in Kenya adds weight to the incident. Posts on X reflect public anger, with users condemning the officer’s actions and calling for systemic reforms. “Another officer, another killing. When will this stop?” one user wrote. Others linked the shooting to a culture of impunity, with one post stating, “Police officers think they’re above the law because they carry guns.” The sentiment echoes recent protests in Nairobi and Mombasa, where citizens demanded justice for victims of police violence. The Eldoret shooting, occurring just days after the one-year anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests, underscores the ongoing tension between communities and law enforcement.

The economic and social impact on Kapsoya, a vibrant commercial area, is already evident. Bar owners reported a drop in customers following the incident, with some patrons avoiding nightlife spots out of fear. “People are scared to go out now,” said Joseph Maina, who owns a nearby pub. “This has hurt our businesses and our sense of safety.” The county government has promised increased patrols to restore confidence, but residents remain wary, citing the irony of relying on police for security after an officer’s alleged crime.

Investigators are examining CCTV footage from Skyline Bar and interviewing witnesses to establish a timeline of events. The DCI has recovered the Ceska pistol, with three spent cartridges found at the scene, indicating Kipruto fired multiple shots. A postmortem conducted at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital confirmed that Chebet died from a single gunshot wound to the chest, while Kiptoo succumbed to a head injury. The officer, who remains in custody, is expected to be arraigned on murder charges within days. “We are working round the clock to ensure justice is served,” said a DCI officer, speaking anonymously. “This case is a priority.”

The incident has also sparked a debate about the issuance of firearms to police officers. Current regulations allow officers to carry service weapons off-duty in certain circumstances, but critics argue this policy enables misuse. “Why was he carrying a gun in a bar?” asked Wambui, the activist. “This is a failure of oversight.” The National Police Service has promised to review its firearm protocols, with Inspector General Douglas Kanja stating, “We will take measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.” However, similar promises in the past have done little to quell public skepticism, given the recurrence of such incidents.

As Eldoret mourns, community members are planning a peaceful march to demand justice for Chebet and Kiptoo. The victims’ families, supported by local churches and civic groups, are also seeking compensation and legal aid. “We just want answers,” said Samuel Kiptoo. “No one should lose their life over a personal dispute.” The case, now under national scrutiny, could influence broader discussions on police reform, particularly as Kenya grapples with economic challenges and public unrest. For now, Kapsoya’s residents are left grappling with grief and a lingering sense of betrayal, as the actions of one officer cast a long shadow over a community seeking healing and accountability.