Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet’s driver allegedly took his own life on December 9, 2018 while on sick leave.
The deceased, Anthony Lemayan Lenkisol was at Mwamba, an estate on the outskirts of Narok Town, at the time of the incident.
The GSU officer, according to the Nairobian shot himself using his Jericho pistol. He is said to have shot himself under the chin, with the bullet exiting through the head.
“We don’t know why he was allowed to carry his gun when he proceeded on sick leave. We are trying to seek answers over the matter,” an officer is quoted by the Nairobian.
It is against police standing orders for an officer to be in possession of a firearm when off-duty.
According to his brother, Evans Leteipa Maasai, the family had no idea that he was on sick leave, adding that they are yet to establish whether the deceased really committed suicide or not.
“We don’t know whether he killed himself or not, the investigations will tell us.”
Mr Lemayan had apparently appeared before the promotion board and was soon going to be confirmed to the next rank of corporal.
Studies show that police officers are at a higher risk of falling prey to mental illnesses most specially Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Experts say that police officers have been neglected by the society and the state. Some have blamed suicides and homicides on frustrations, low salaries and poor working conditions.