Detectives begin probe into Makueni shooting

MAKUENI COUNTY: Investigations into the Tuesday shooting in Makueni in which six people were injured have begun with several people recording statements with the police.

This comes as Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo ordered those behind the shooting arrested.

Speaking in Mombasa Wednesday, Mr Kimaiyo said those involved, including the bodyguards of political leaders, should be held accountable for their actions.

"Those who called meetings and those behind the chaos should all be personally held responsible," Kimaiyo said.

The IG said those calling for meetings must notify the police and be prepared to take personal responsibility for any criminal activities during such gatherings.

Among the first to record a statement was Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana whose bodyguard William Kinoti was shot in the leg.

Those injured along with Mr Kinoti were County Chief of Staff Douglas Mbilu, county assembly Sergeant at Arms Brian Mutua, former councillor Francis Musyoka and a pastor, Festus Nyamai.

Senior detectives from the CID headquarters in Nairobi were Wednesday dispatched to the county headquarters in Wote town to investigate the shooting.

BODYGUARDS GRILLED

Wednesday, county assembly Speaker Stephen Ngelu and Majority Leader Francis Mutuku and their bodyguards were grilled for several hours over the incident.

By the time of going to press, the four were still recording statements with the detectives and it could not be immediately established whether they would be held.

Makueni OCPD Philip Opiyo said five MPs who were in Mr Ngelu's office recorded statements but could not divulge further details. He said senior detectives had been dispatched from Nairobi to unravel the mystery of the shooting, adding they were better placed to comment on the investigations.

But the city-based detectives declined to speak to journalists, saying they needed time to gather evidence and complete the investigation.

Kimaiyo spoke after opening the annual conference for Administration Police commanders at Mombasa Beach Hotel.

The IG who was accompanied by Deputy IG of Administration Police Samuel Arachi, also told police commanders to take full responsibility for their juniors' actions, some of whom engage robberies or are trigger-happy.

He also clarified that no police officers have been given shoot-to-kill orders and each one must be held responsible for any unjustified killings.