Athi River man disarmed after shooting in child support dispute

Police in Athi River, Machakos County, have detained a licensed firearm holder after he allegedly fired a shot during a heated altercation over child upkeep in Kinanie area.

The dramatic confrontation, part of which was captured on video, showed a man brandishing a pistol and pointing it at another man seated in a car before being restrained.

According to police and witnesses, the dispute nearly turned deadly when the gunman, the father of a woman whose child is at the centre of the dispute, shot at his son-in-law but narrowly missed him.

Police confirmed that the suspect is a licensed civilian firearm holder.

Reports indicated that the man had convened a meeting at his Kimongo home on Sunday to discuss the child’s upkeep.

The son-in-law, accompanied by his parents, attended the meeting to resolve the matter amicably.

However, tensions quickly flared, and a heated argument ensued. The quarrel escalated into a physical confrontation, spilling out of the compound and onto the road. In the chaos, a vehicle belonging to the visiting party was damaged, and some individuals reportedly sustained injuries.

Police later advised the injured parties to seek medical treatment and obtain P3 forms to record their complaints. Officers who were called to the scene managed to calm the situation and directed all parties to proceed to the Kinanie Police Post for mediation.

But the drama did not end there. While at the police post, one of the individuals began recording the proceedings on video, angering the elderly gunman.

In a fit of rage, he reportedly drew his Beretta pistol and fired at the man filming the confrontation. The bullet narrowly missed its target and struck the wall of the report office, sending officers and witnesses scrambling for cover.

Police at the station swiftly subdued and disarmed the agitated man before placing him under arrest. The firearm, which contained nine rounds of ammunition, was confiscated. Officers also recovered one spent cartridge at the scene.

The suspect was detained pending further interrogation and possible arraignment in court.

The incident brought the meeting to an abrupt end as frightened family members dispersed in panic.

Police said statements from several witnesses and victims had been recorded, adding that appropriate action would be taken.

Authorities have, in recent years, expressed concern over cases of misuse of firearms by licensed civilian holders.

Police estimate that there are about 15,000 licensed firearm holders in the country, all of whom undergo a rigorous vetting process before being issued with permits.