Tragedy in Kitui: Married Woman Fatally Shot by Police Officer After Secret Trip

Investigations into a chilling double murder in Kanyonyoo, Kitui County, have revealed that one of the victims, Joy Mutisya, had left her Machakos home under the pretense of job-hunting in Kitengela — but was instead headed to meet a suspected lover.

Joy, a married mother of two, was gunned down alongside her friend, Jane Ndanu, in what authorities believe was a crime of passion involving an armed police officer. The officer, who is now on the run, reportedly used his AK-47 rifle to kill the two women before fleeing the scene.

A Family in Shock

Joy’s family is grappling with shock and grief after learning of the secret trip that ended in her violent death. According to her in-laws, she had told them she was going to Kitengela in search of work — a claim that turned out to be false.

“She said she was going to look for a job, but instead she went to Kanyonyoo. We don’t understand how this happened,” said Jonathan Waema, her father-in-law.

Joy was married to James Mutisya and was the mother of two children — one in Form Three and the other in Grade Six.

Deadly Confrontation

Eyewitnesses say the officer tracked Joy to her friend Jane’s home, where a heated confrontation unfolded. Jane tried to intervene, but the officer turned his weapon on both women, shooting them multiple times.

“He wanted to shoot Joy, and when the other woman tried to stop him, he killed them both instantly,” recounted witness Stanley Kiilu.

Joy’s father-in-law added, “She was shot so many times we can’t understand… what kind of training do police get if they can do this to unarmed women?”

The suspect then dumped his rifle in a nearby bush and disappeared, evading the police dragnet as investigations continue.

Public Outrage and Calls for Justice

The incident has sparked public outrage, with family members questioning how a government officer, trained to protect, could carry out such an act.

“We are being killed by the very people meant to protect us,” said Peter Mwania, a relative of the deceased.

Waema added, “This is someone from the government. Now the government is investigating itself — how are we supposed to trust the outcome? All we want is justice.”

Kitui County Police Commander Martha Nge’tich confirmed that the officer had fallen out with his girlfriend before the killings, and efforts to trace him are ongoing.

Final Farewells

An autopsy on both women is scheduled for Thursday as families prepare for their burials. Meanwhile, they continue to mourn — and demand answers.

What was supposed to be a routine day ended in unimaginable grief, with two lives cut short and a young family left shattered.