Police investigating the fatal shooting of 61-year-old businessman Nathan Masai Wasama in Cheptais, Bungoma County, arrested three suspects as the dragnet tightens around those behind the killing.
Wasama was shot dead on the night of August 8, 2026, at his shop in Tuikut Trading Centre, Sasur Location, Cheptais Sub-County, after four men arrived at the trading centre on two motorcycles.
The motive of the incident is yet to be established, police said.
Preliminary investigations established that one of the pillion passengers alighted, walked into Wasama’s shop and shot him before fleeing with his accomplices.
A woman was also shot and injured during the incident and remains admitted at a local hospital in stable condition.
Following credible leads, detectives first arrested a key suspect linked to the murder.
On August 11, 2026, detectives, acting on a search warrant, raided a residence in Marigo Village, Cheptais Location, where they arrested two more suspects.
The operation also yielded a haul of items including a military-style smoke jacket, a stun grenade, three axes, a crowbar, three folding pangas, two pangas, two knives, five arrows, three motorcycles, two mobile phones and an iPod, police said.
The two suspects were detained as detectives process them for arraignment and seek custodial orders to facilitate further investigations.
Meanwhile, the hunt for additional suspects, is ongoing, with detectives following leads to establish the motive, identify all those involved and piece together the events surrounding the fatal shooting.
Wasama was a former Chesikaki councillor and aspiring Mt Elgon Member of Parliament.
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.
The incident was 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.
The murder has turned political with some politicians commenting on the same.
As the investigation continues, the DCI cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified allegations that could prejudice the case, compromise investigations or threaten public safety.
Anyone with credible information that could assist detectives in apprehending the remaining suspects is urged to report at the nearest police station or through the DCI’s toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
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