A tragic shooting in Kiunga, Lamu County, has left three families reeling after a police reservist fatally shot his estranged wife and injured her friend before turning the gun on himself.
Authorities have identified the gunman as 36-year-old Shafi Swaleh. According to police, Swaleh opened fire on 34-year-old Najma Athman, who was heavily pregnant, killing her instantly. He also shot her friend, 37-year-old Mariam Yussuf, who was with her at the time.
Moments after the shooting, Swaleh turned the weapon on himself and died by suicide. Police say they are still investigating the motive behind the attack.
Neighbour Tima Abdulrahman recalled hearing gunshots and rushing outside, only to find Najma and Mariam lying on the ground.
Tima said the couple had separated just four days earlier following a bitter argument. Swaleh had reportedly accused Najma of infidelity and believed Mariam was helping her hide it, claims Tima dismissed as untrue.
“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,” she said as quoted by Citizen.
Mariam, who suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder, was rushed to Lamu Referral Hospital for treatment, Kiunga village elder Ali Sani confirmed.
