A police officer who went missing along with his G3 rifle from his duty station in Rabai, Kilifi County, has been apprehended after an intense search.
The officer, who had been on a night shift at the Rabai Kenya Power Station, disappeared on Friday, September 6, prompting an immediate investigation.
The rifle, which was accompanied by 20 rounds of ammunition, was eventually found where the officer had left it, hidden under containers at his workplace.
After he failed to return his weapon, the head of the armory contacted him to inquire about his whereabouts.
The officer claimed he had to attend an urgent meeting at his rural home in Meru.
Despite his explanation, the initial search for the weapon proved fruitless.
A subsequent decision was made to trace the officer, leading to his arrest at the Mariakani weighbridge while traveling in a public service vehicle.
He was taken back to retrieve the rifle and is now in custody awaiting internal disciplinary action.
The motives behind his unauthorized departure remain unclear, but there are suggestions that trauma might have played a role.
Concerns about the mental health of police officers are growing, with increasing incidents of trauma-related issues and a rising number of deaths linked to stress and suicide.
In response to these challenges, police authorities have introduced counseling services and established a dedicated unit under the National Police Service Commission to address mental health and substance abuse issues.
The new unit aims to provide support, evaluate needs, and implement outreach programs to help officers cope with their demanding roles.
On average, three suicide cases involving police officers are reported each month, highlighting the urgent need for effective mental health support within the force.
