Controversial land-buying company's director shot dead

Counties
By Kamau Maichuhie | Apr 13, 2016
The late John Waweru at a function in Ruiru recently. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

A director of a troubled land-buying company was killed by unknown assailants in Zimmerman, Nairobi.

 John Waweru, a director of the Ruiru-based Githunguri Constituency Ranching Company, was shot dead on Monday night by people who were on foot at around 10pm as he dropped an employee of his security firm in the estate.

Waweru was re-elected a director of the controversial land-buying company in January. He has been a director of the company since 2009.

 John Maina, the chairman of the company, said he was shocked on learning about the director’s death, adding that he and four other directors were with Waweru in Thika town on Monday during the day.

He said the slain director disclosed to them that he was living in fear as he was privy to information that some people were planning to eliminate the company’s directors.

 “He seemed troubled and in fear. His revelation shocked us and we reported the matter to the OCS at Ruiru Police Station,” said Maina.

The firm’s chairman called on the police to expedite investigations in order to nab the assailants and so that justice can be served.

“We the remaining directors are now living in fear since we do not know who will be next. It is our plea to the Government not to leave any stone unturned until the culprits are brought to book,” he said.

Separate factions

The company has in the past few years been rocked by leadership wrangles pitting Maina against Ahmed Chege, who have been leading separate factions.

 The two groups have been seeking control of the company, which has more than 5,000 shareholders. They have been running two parallel offices in Ruiru town. Maina was elected into office for a five-year term in January. Earlier this year, the High Court ordered that fresh elections be held.

Chege did not participate in the polls that were held at Spinners Secondary School in Ruiru. In the polls, Maina retained his position as chairman while John Githinji was elected his deputy. Those elected as directors were Peter Mwangi, Grace Muchai, John Waweru and Esther Waithera Kinyanjui.

Ruiru OCPD Isaac Thuranira said investigations were underway to nab the culprits.

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