'We Never Saw Any Warning Signs': Family Speaks After Death of Presidential Escort Officer

Police in Ruiru are investigating the death of Dennis Kibet Cheruyot, an officer attached to the Presidential Escort Unit, who was found dead at his home in what detectives believe was a self-inflicted shooting.

Investigators recovered a three-page note believed to have been left by Cheruyot, although its authenticity has not been confirmed and it is undergoing forensic examination. Detectives are also investigating whether personal or family-related issues may have contributed to the incident.

At the Kenyatta University Funeral Home, Cheruyot's father, Reverend Jonathan Tonui, said the family was shocked by the loss. He said they had spoken to him regularly and had not noticed any signs that he was experiencing emotional distress. 

The family learnt of his death shortly after midnight. A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Friday, and he is expected to be buried next Thursday at the family home in Njoro, Nakuru County.

The incident has renewed calls for stronger welfare support within the National Police Service. Njoro MP Charity Kathambi, who accompanied the family to the mortuary, urged the Ministry of Interior to strengthen counselling and psychosocial support for officers. She said systems should encourage security personnel to seek help before personal challenges become overwhelming and called for wider institutional reforms.

Cheruyot's death comes days after another police officer, Marjorie Bosibori, reportedly died in a similar suspected self-inflicted shooting in Kisii. The two cases have raised concern about the psychological pressures faced by police officers, including long working hours, exposure to traumatic incidents and limited access to mental health support.

Mental health specialists say the National Police Service has recognised the need to improve psychosocial support for officers, but the rollout of counselling services and peer support programmes has been inconsistent. They say greater investment in early intervention and welfare programmes is needed to reduce the risk of similar incidents.