A barmaid in a Nakuru joint has been shot to death by a police officer after he refused to pay a bill of KShs16,000.

Three other people involving two men and one lady are nursing serious gunshot injuries at the Nakuru Level 5 Hospital.

The two men were working as bouncers and are in stable conditions suffering gunshots injuries in their abdomen.

The other lady is in a critical condition as she suffered several shots with one in her spine and was undergoing surgery.

The incident occurred at 2AM on Wednesday morning at the Vegas club before the officer fled the scene.

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According to witnesses, the officer allegedly opened fire after he was arguing with the barmaid over the bill and was wearing civilian clothes at the moment.

Nakuru County police commander has said the officer was arrested and locked up at Kaptebwa police station.

“The officer picked a quarrel with the bartender over a bill before he brandished his gun and started shooting people indiscriminately. Unfortunately, we lost a 30-year-old woman, while three others were injured in the incident,” said the police.

Reasons for having a pistol

“Preliminary investigations show that the police officer opened fire indiscriminately following a dispute over a bill in the 2am incident. One of the injured is in critical condition while the other two are stable,” added Mr Ndanyi.

One pistol with two rounds of ammunition and six spent cartridges was recovered.

Reasons as to why the constable was armed while not on duty remains to unclear.

He will be charged with murder among other charges.

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The body of the deceased has been taken to the Nakuru County Mortuary.