‘Standard’ agent shot, killed by robbers

Nyeri, Kenya: Armed robbers raided a shop in Mweiga in Kieni West sub-county and shot dead a Standard newspaper distribution agent.

Simon Mutitu Gicheche, 51, had just opened his Mweiga Corner Shop at around 5.30am when three robbers arrived in a Toyota Sienta and shot him before escaping towards Nyeri town.

Gicheche is the Standard newspapers agent in Kieni West, and he is also a cousin to MP Kanini Kega (Kieni) and Purity Elderly Foundation Executive Director Joyce Wanjoki Kairu.

Ironically, the killing occurred just 100m from Mweiga Police Station. One of the witnesses, who was among those held hostage in the shop, said he reported the incident to the police immediately their captors left, but an officer at the inquiry desk claimed he could not offer any help.

"I was driving towards the shop when I came across a car, which had blocked the way. I, however, managed to manoeuvre through and saw three men," said Henry Muchai.

POLICE LAXITY

Muchai said after he alighted and locked his car, he heard a gunshot inside the shop. He attempted to flee but one of the robbers gave chase and caught up with him. He was then hurled inside the shop with others.

"He got hold of me and used his gun to beat me up. He then ordered me into the shop where we were ordered to lied down," said Muchai.

At this time, the robbers had already shot and seriously injured Gicheche.

They ransacked the shop and made away with a carton of cigarettes and other goods. It is not clear if the gang stole any money from the businessman.

Muchai said after he realised the robbers had fled, he moved out and went to Mweiga Police Station, where he found one police officer at the report desk.

"I informed him about the incident and requested that he helps us since the victim was sprawled on the floor, but he said he was just alone and could not help much," said Muchai.

Concealed plate

"I left and went to a nearby hotel where I asked the owner to help take Gicheche to hospital, but on arrival we discovered that he had died," Muchai added.

Administration Police Commander Francis Mbogo said the three-man gang shot Gicheche in the jaw and the bullet exited through the right ear.

 

He said the gang had smeared mud on the car's number plate so it wasn't possible for witnesses to identify the vehicle. "The gang fled towards Nyeri town or its environs," he said.

On police laxity, Mbogo defended his officers, saying they had just arrived back to the station from Solio ranch, where they were involved in a night operation.