By CYRUS OMBATI
NAIROBI, KENYA: Police are investigating an incident in which an Australian national was shot dead in a robbery attack in the posh Runda estate, Nairobi.
Thirty nine year old Patrick John Richer was shot twice at point blank range by ten thugs who raided their house at about 1 am on Sunday. He was the creative director at the Tbwa Flame Tree Advertising- an international agency.
The gang, according to police and relatives of the deceased was demanding cash and valuables. They took away a TV set and other electronics. Richer had been staying at the house since September.
Nairobi police boss Benson Kibue said they are yet to know the motive of the shooting. Witnesses said some of the gunmen wore jungle police uniforms. Guards on duty were tied by the gang before the gang ventured into the house where they shot Richer.
His wife of five years Lesili Richer was roughed up in the incident.
He was rushed to Aga Khan Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Kibue together with head of CID Nicholas Kamwende visited the scene of the shooting. The gang gained entry into the compound through a hole at a fence before they forced their way into the house.
Tony Olali, a brother in law of the deceased said he was informed of the attack and rushed there only to find Richer had died. No arrest has been made so far.
Flametree CEO Tim Smyth termed the shooting unfortunate.
