A quiet Saturday evening in Nairobi’s central business district turned tragic after a General Service Unit (GSU) officer shot and killed a 23-year-old woman inside a cyber café along Tom Mboya Street.
Witnesses said she was preparing to close for the day when the officer, identified as Constable Simon Njoroge Njau, entered the premises shortly before the shooting.
According to accounts from those present, Njau demanded to speak with her, but she asked him to wait as she attended to a customer.
He reportedly left the premises briefly, sending a series of angry messages before returning moments later.
It was then that the situation escalated.
Witnesses said the officer drew his service pistol and opened fire at close range. The first shot struck her hand, followed by several others in rapid succession.
Panic gripped the café as customers fled for safety, while the gunman reportedly threatened anyone attempting to intervene.
Wanjohi collapsed inside the shop. Her mother, who had been waiting outside, rushed in after hearing the gunshots and found her daughter lying unresponsive on the floor.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police officers later responded and secured the area. Njau, who was attached to the Presidential Escort Unit, is said to have turned the gun on himself shortly after the shooting.
He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries days later.
The incident drew attention to what investigators described as a troubled relationship between the two.
Family members indicated that Wanjohi had been trying to end the relationship in the months leading up to her death, citing persistent pressure and alleged threats from the officer.
Relatives described her as focused and hardworking, with plans to pursue further education. She had been saving money with hopes of joining university and building a stable future.
The killing raised fresh concerns over the misuse of firearms by trained security officers and the risks faced by women attempting to leave abusive relationships.
The case did not proceed to court following the suspect’s death, leaving the family without a judicial process.
Wanjohi’s death remains one of several incidents that have sparked debate around accountability within security agencies and the need for stronger protections against gender-based violence.
Her family continues to mourn a life cut short under violent circumstances, in what began as an ordinary evening in the city.