Detectives investigating the fatal shooting of 61-year-old businessman Nathan Masai Wasama in Cheptais, Bungoma County, have arrested three suspects.
Wasama was shot dead on the night of August 8, 2026, at his shop in Tuikut Trading Centre, Sasur Location, Cheptais Sub-County, after four men arrived at the trading centre on two motorcycles.
The motive for the shooting has not been established.
Preliminary investigations established that one of the pillion passengers alighted, walked into Wasama’s shop and shot him before fleeing with his accomplices.
A woman was also shot and injured during the incident and remains admitted at a local hospital in stable condition.
Following leads, detectives first arrested a suspect linked to the murder.
On August 11, detectives, acting on a search warrant, raided a residence in Marigo Village, Cheptais Location, where they arrested two more suspects.
The operation also yielded a military-style smoke jacket, a stun grenade, three axes, a crowbar, three folding pangas, two pangas, two knives, five arrows, three motorcycles, two mobile phones and an iPod.
The two suspects were detained as detectives processed them for arraignment and sought custodial orders to facilitate further investigations.
The search for additional suspects is ongoing, with detectives following leads to establish the motive, identify those involved and piece together the events surrounding the shooting.
The DCI cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified allegations that could prejudice the case, compromise investigations or threaten public safety.
Anyone with credible information that could assist detectives in apprehending the remaining suspects is urged to report to the nearest police station or through the DCI’s toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
Wasama was a former Chesikaki councillor and aspiring Mt Elgon Member of Parliament.
The killing came weeks after Wasama publicly declared his intention to contest the Mt Elgon parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
The incident was the second reported attempt on Wasama’s life in two years.
In 2024, gunmen attacked him in the Kapcheshari area, firing several bullets at the rear of his vehicle at about 7 p.m. He escaped the attack unharmed.
His death has drawn reactions from leaders and residents in Mt Elgon, who have called for a thorough investigation and swift justice.
