Police reservist shoots pregnant wife

A police reservist in Kiunga, Lamu County, has shot and killed his estranged wife before turning the gun on himself.

Police have identified the reservist as 36-year-old Shafi Swaleh.

The officer shot a heavily pregnant Najma Athman, 34, killing her on the spot. He also shot and injured Najma’s friend, Mariam Yussuf, aged 37 years.

According to the police, Swaleh turned the gun on himself, taking his own life, moments after shooting Najma and her friend.

Tima Abdulrahman, a neighbour, reported hearing gunshots and seeing Najma and her friend Miriam lying on the ground.

According to Tima, the couple had recently ‘separated’ following a heated argument after Shafi accused Najma of infidelity aided by Mariam.

"The two went their separate ways just four days ago. The husband had been accusing Najma of keeping another man, but that is not true," Tima said.

Mariam who sustained gunshot wounds on the shoulder has been taken to Lamu Referral Hospital for treatment – said Kiunga village elder Ali Sani.

The incident comes just weeks after a GSU officer reportedly killed his lover and a five-year-old girl in Mokowe area.

Red Cross Lamu Chairman Noor Dahir emphasised the urgent need for counseling among officers, as cases of depression are becoming rampant in the area.

"This is the fourth, if not the fifth case we are experiencing in Lamu, and if we do not act swiftly, these cases will continue to rise," warned Noor Dahir.