The National Police Service is working with the Independent Policing Authority (IPOA) in probing the circumstances surrounding a fatal shooting incident of a Karatina-based businessman by an Administration Police officer on Sunday night.
According to preliminary reports by detectives, the incident took place near Rubis Petrol Station at 11.50 pm following an altercation between the deceased, identified as George Gathu and the police officer, identified as Peter Wamiti, who was on night patrol.
The suspect was attached to the Karatina police station.
At the time of his death, it is said the trader had got into his car and was about to drive away after the heated argument when the officer opened fire at him, killing him on the spot.
Central Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati said while preliminary investigations indicate there was a verbal exchange between the suspect and the deceased, it is not yet clear why the suspect decided to open fire four times at the trader.
“The circumstances leading to the shooting are very unclear. But what we are getting from the initial investigations is that a confrontation occurred between the officer who is now in custody and the deceased.
This is what led to the shooting and investigations have commenced and because of the fairness and impartiality and as the law demands, we have invited IPOA to take over investigations.
They will get all the necessary support from the National Police Service to ensure the case of the late George Mwangi, who was an entrepreneur in this town, is investigated expeditiously,” he told the press.
Earlier Monday morning, irate residents had barricaded Karatina town by burning car tyres in protest of the fatal shooting while demanding the arrest and prosecution of the officer involved in the killing.
Flow of traffic was disrupted for several hours, inconveniencing dozens of motorists who were driving past the town. Ombati said they have already disarmed and apprehended the officer.
Detectives have also recovered the murder weapon, which is expected to be subjected to ballistic analysis before the officer is arraigned in court.
He confirmed that police have already reached out to the family of the slain businessman and assured them that all efforts are being made to ensure they get justice in the horrifying murder of their kin, who has left behind a widow and children.
“We have had a conversation with the family and we have conveyed our sympathy to them in the presence of their lawyer and assured them that we are going to do our part to ensure their loved one gets justice and also in a timely manner. As the National Police Service, we will also give all necessary support to IPOA to make these investigations a success,” assured the Police boss.
Meanwhile, IPOA has confirmed the commencement of investigations into the incident.
In a statement issued by the authority’s Chairperson, Isaack Hassan, IPOA says it has already dispatched a Rapid Response Team from the Nyeri Regional Office to commence investigations and gather all relevant information to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting incident.
While condoling with the family of the 40-year-old, the authority also cordoned off the scene of the incident to allow the officers to collect crucial evidence for forensic and ballistic analysis.
The Authority also committed to remain independent, impartial and fair throughout the entire exercise and urged members of the public who may have witnessed the 11pm incident to volunteer information.
“In addition, IPOA appeals to the public to be calm. Further, the Authority calls for anyone who may have witnessed the incident from the area to come forward with the information that may assist the ongoing investigations,” the statement read.
By Samuel Maina and Wangari Mwangi
