Laikipia teen on the run after fatal ranch shooting of boy

Detectives in Laikipia West are searching for a 15-year-old boy who allegedly shot and killed a 14-year-old boy.

Police said the suspect used a firearm during the incident.

The weapon was later recovered. The motive for the shooting remains unclear.

The suspect, a minor, had not been arrested by Friday, with police saying efforts to trace him were ongoing.

According to officers at Rumuruti Police Station, a 60-year-old British-Kenyan dual national and licensed civilian firearm holder presented himself to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices in Laikipia West on Thursday, accompanied by his advocate.

Investigators said the man, who is the father of the 15-year-old suspect still at large, claimed ownership of the firearm linked to the incident. He was interrogated and recorded a statement as part of ongoing investigations.

Police processed him for court appearance and released him on a cash bail of Sh100,000, pending plea taking for the offence of allegedly allowing a minor access to a firearm, contrary to the Firearms Act.

Authorities said efforts to trace the juvenile suspect are at an advanced stage as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting continue.

Police said the incident occurred on April 22, 2026, and the victim was shot the previous night in unclear circumstances.

Preliminary findings indicate that the bullet entered through the right rear shoulder and exited through the upper right side of the chest.

Crime scene investigators processed the area and recovered a suspected firearm — a Mark Four CZ 527 rifle — along with one round of ammunition and two spent cartridges.

The body of the deceased was moved to Rumuruti Funeral Home, where it awaits a postmortem examination.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Police also said tensions remained high in the area following the incident.