Kitui County, Kenya — A cloud of grief hangs over two families after a police officer fatally shot a woman believed to be his lover and her friend in a tragic confrontation that unfolded in Kanyonyoo, Kitui County.
The deceased woman, Joy Mutisya, had reportedly left her matrimonial home in Machakos, telling her family she was heading to Kitengela in search of work. Instead, she travelled to Kanyonyoo to meet a man believed to be her lover — a police officer.
Joy was married to James Mutisya and was a mother of two — one in Form Three and another in Grade Six. Her family, now grappling with the shocking events, say they had no reason to suspect anything was amiss.
“She left saying she was going to look for work. We never imagined this is what would follow,” said her father-in-law, Jonathan Waema.
According to initial investigations, the armed officer tracked Joy to her friend Jane Ndanu’s house, where she had apparently sought refuge. Witnesses say a confrontation erupted, and as Jane attempted to intervene, the officer opened fire with his AK-47, killing both women instantly.
“Askari alikuwa anataka kupiga Joy, sasa huyo madam alikuwa anamzuia asimpige ndio akawaua wote hapo hapo,” said Stanley Kiilu, a witness at the scene.
The officer reportedly fled after the shooting, abandoning his rifle in a nearby thicket. Authorities are still searching for him.
“Alikosana na girlfriend wake, kisha baadaye akamuua na pia kumuua yule alikuwa rafiki wake na kutoroka,” Kitui County Police Commander Martha Nge’tich confirmed.
The tragedy has sparked public outrage and grief, with family members and locals demanding justice.
“Polisi wale wanafaa watulinde na sasa ndio wanatuua,” lamented a relative, Peter Mwania.
“Ameuawa na mtu wa serikali, serikali yenyewe ndio inachunguza, sasa hatuelewi lakini tunataka haki,” added Waema.
An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, as both families begin preparations for the burials of Joy and Jane. The killings have raised broader questions about trust in law enforcement and the mechanisms for addressing gender-based violence.
As the manhunt continues, the families of the victims are calling for swift justice and accountability from authorities.
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