Businessman shoots mason dead over missing gate in Athi River, Machakos

A businessman was disarmed and arrested after he allegedly shot and killed a man he accused of stealing his gate in the Athi River area of Machakos County.

Police said the suspect, who is a licensed firearm holder, is accused of killing one Samuel Mwangi Maina, who worked for him as a mason at a construction site in the Flight View area.

According to a police report, a boda boda rider told officers that Mwangi had hired him to ferry him to the site on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Upon arrival, Mwangi called the owner of the compound, who turned out to be the gunman. The businessman arrived accompanied by another man.

The boda boda rider told police that the businessman grabbed Mwangi by the neck and demanded to know where his gate was. Meanwhile, the other man began assaulting Mwangi.

The businessman reportedly reached for his firearm and threatened to shoot Mwangi, police said. At that point, the other assailant grabbed the weapon and fired two shots into the ground, warning that Mwangi would be shot if he failed to disclose where he had taken the missing gate.

The sound of gunfire attracted nearby residents, who rushed to the scene to find out what was happening. Realising the mob was closing in, the businessman and his companion fled the scene to escape the angry mob.

However, the crowd pursued them. Police said the businessman then regained control of his firearm and opened fire, hitting Mwangi in the chest.

Mwangi was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

By the time officers arrived, they found the angry crowd surrounding the area. Police intervened quickly to rescue the businessman from the mob. He was disarmed and placed in custody as investigations into the fatal shooting began.

Authorities are also pursuing the other suspect who allegedly took part in assaulting the deceased and firing shots into the ground during the confrontation.

Police processed the scene and recorded witness statements as locals demanded justice for the slain mason.

Cases of licensed firearm holders misusing their weapons have been on the rise, despite ongoing efforts to curb the trend.

Law enforcement officials say they have mechanisms in place to deal with such incidents, with many similar cases currently pending in court.

There are about 15,000 licensed firearm holders in Kenya, according to police records. Each undergoes a rigorous vetting process before being granted a permit to own a weapon.