A night of terror has gripped three counties after a spate of brutal killings—from Kehancha to Bungoma and Laikipia—left three people dead in separate attacks, deepening fears over Kenya’s growing wave of violent crime.
This is the latest such incident in the area amid growing protests over rising armed crime.
Police said the victim, David Masero Sabai, was shot in the chest by gunmen who had stormed a shop demanding cash and other valuables.
The incident occurred on Monday night as Sabai waited to be served. Two men—one armed with an AK-47 rifle and the other with a panga—entered the shop and ordered both the attendant and the customer to lie down.
They demanded money and valuables before opening fire, killing Sabai on the spot. Witnesses said he was shot as he knelt and pleaded for his life. The shop owner managed to escape in the confusion, aided by a blackout in the area.
Police said the gang fled without stealing anything.
Detectives recovered a spent cartridge of 7.62mm special ammunition from the scene. The body was taken to the mortuary pending an autopsy and further investigations.
Authorities said a team of officers has been deployed to track down the gang behind this and other recent killings. Police reports indicate a worrying surge in armed robberies targeting businesses in the region.
Meanwhile, in Tongaren, Bungoma County, a suspect has been arrested after fatally chopping off a neighbour’s hand during an altercation.
Police said the victim, 24-year-old Yussuf Wanjala, died in hospital after his wrist was severed, leading to profuse bleeding. The suspect was arrested in Simama Village on Monday and is expected to face a murder charge.
Elsewhere in Rumuruti, Laikipia County, police are investigating the killing of a 35-year-old woman, Tabitha Kendi, who was stabbed to death by a gang early Tuesday.
Kendi and her husband were walking home from work when they were attacked about 200 metres from their house. She was stabbed in the chest and died instantly, while the attackers escaped without stealing anything. Police say the motive of the attack remains unclear.
