National Police Service has teamed up with the Independent Policing Authority (IPOA) to probe circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a businessman in Karatina town, central Kenya, by a police officer on Sunday night.

According to preliminary reports by detectives, the incident took place near Rubis Petrol Station at 11.50pm following an altercation between the deceased identified as George Gathu and the police officer whose name was given as Peter Wamiti, who was on night patrol.

The suspect is attached to Karatina Police Station.

At the time of his death, it is said the trader had gotten into his car and was about to drive away after the heated argument when the officer opened fire, 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 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 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 on Monday morning, irate residents had barricaded roads in Karatina town by burning car tires in protest over the fatal shooting to demand 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 to the family of the slain businessman and assured them that all efforts are being made to ensure they get justice as a result of the horrific murder of their kin.

The businessman is survived by 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 in a timely manner. As National Police Service, we will also give all necessary support to IPOA to make these investigations a success,” police boss gave the assurance.

Meanwhile, IPOA has confirmed commencement of investigations into the incident.

In a statement issued by 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 crime to allow the officers time and space to collect crucial evidence for forensic and ballistic analysis. The authority also committed to remaining 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 on-going investigations,” the statement read.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Samuel Maina and Wangari Mwangi