Shocking CCTV footage has emerged showing the moment a police officer shot a businessman at close range in Karatina town.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, has triggered violent unrest and calls for justice across Nyeri County.

The Fatal Encounter

The victim, 40-year-old George Gathu Matheri, was at a car wash near the Rubis petrol station on Sunday evening. Reports suggest he was involved in a dispute with a mechanic over a duplicated car key.

Two police officers on patrol arrived as the argument intensified.

 The CCTV footage shows the situation escalating at around 11:10 p.m. The officer is seen physically assaulting Mr Matheri and taunting him with a firearm, even striking the businessman’s thighs with the weapon.

As Mr Matheri attempted to walk away from the scene, the officer trailed him. At exactly 23:10:52, the officer fired a shot from less than 10 metres away, hitting Mr Matheri in the head, just behind the ear.

The officer has since been identified as Constable Peter Mwangi, attached to Karatina police station.

Public Outcry and Unrest

The shooting sparked immediate fury among residents. By Monday morning, Karatina town was at a standstill. Protesters barricaded the busy Nairobi-Karatina highway using burning tyres and large boulders.

Watch: Wanted thug in viral CCTV clip being sought by police

The atmosphere remained tense as the mob stoned a police vehicle and set a nearby lorry on fire. Residents have described the killing as an "extrajudicial execution" and demanded immediate accountability.

Legal Proceedings and Investigation

Constable Peter Mwangi appeared in court in Nyeri following his arrest. Investigators initially requested 21 days to detain the officer, citing concerns for his safety due to the intense public anger.

The court ultimately granted 14 days of detention to allow the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conclude its probe.

“I can't believe that my husband is no more, and I'm seeking justice for him. He didn't deserve to be shot,” sobbed Matheri’s wife.

The officer’s firearm was seized and sent to Nairobi for ballistic examination. While the family claims Mr Matheri was shot four times, police stated that the exact number of wounds will only be confirmed following a formal post-mortem examination.

The suspect is expected back in court on 3rd February to take a plea. Meanwhile, human rights defenders and the victim's widow, Ann Gathu, continue to push for a thorough investigation to ensure the "root cause" of the violence is addressed.