Former Chesikaki councillor and aspiring Mt Elgon Member of Parliament Nathan Wasama Masai was shot dead by unknown assailants at his home in Tuikut, Cheptais, Bungoma County.
According to preliminary reports, the attackers struck on Thursday night, shooting Wasama multiple times before fleeing the scene.
He succumbed to his injuries, although police had yet to issue an official statement confirming the circumstances of the killing by Friday morning.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, and authorities have not announced any arrests or identified suspects.
The killing comes just weeks after Wasama publicly declared his intention to contest the Mt Elgon parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, prompting speculation over whether his political ambitions may have been linked to the attack.
However, investigators have not established any connection, and the motive remains under investigation.
The incident is reportedly the second attempt on Wasama’s life in two years. In 2024, gunmen attacked him in the Kapcheshari area, firing several bullets at the rear of his vehicle at about 7 p.m.
He escaped that attack unharmed.
His death has heightened concerns over the security of political leaders and aspirants as political activity begins to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
Beyond politics, Wasama was a businessman, philanthropist and an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church.
News of his death has sent shockwaves across Mt Elgon, with leaders and residents calling for a thorough investigation and swift justice.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa was among the first leaders to mourn Wasama, describing the killing as a senseless act of violence.
He urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to conduct a swift, professional and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and bring those responsible to justice.
Barasa also conveyed his condolences to Wasama’s family, friends, the people of Mt Elgon and the SDA Church.
The killing now places pressure on security agencies to determine how the assailants gained access to Wasama’s home, establish the motive behind the attack and investigate whether it was linked to his political ambitions, business interests or other personal matters.
Investigators are also expected to examine whether Thursday night’s fatal shooting is connected to the 2024 attempt on his life.
As of the time of publication, neither the National Police Service nor the DCI had released an official statement confirming the incident or providing details on the progress of investigations.
The case is expected to attract significant public attention as residents of Mt Elgon await answers over the circumstances surrounding the killing of the former councillor and parliamentary aspirant.
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