Police are investigating an incident where a 24-year-old charcoal worker was shot and killed after two armed men reportedly attacked casual labourers in the Farhareli area, Bangale Sub-County, Tana River County.
The incident occurred at about 9pm on Saturday, September 26, 2026, police said on Monday.
According to police, the six casual labourers were working for a woman involved in the charcoal business when they were reportedly confronted by two gunmen.
Police said one shot was fired during the incident, resulting in the death of Robert Mtalii Ekitela.
Police said the bullet entered through the left side of his neck and remained lodged in the body.
A 7.62×51mm cartridge casing was recovered at the scene and preserved as an exhibit as investigators work to establish the circumstances behind the shooting.
The body was moved to Mwingi Level Four Hospital Mortuary for preservation pending a post-mortem examination.
Police said investigations were under way and officers were pursuing the two men linked to the shooting.
Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man at Kitengela police station.
Eric Otieno, a Kenyan-American citizen, is reported to have died inside the station’s cells after being arrested with two friends while leaving a nightclub on September 18, 2026.
The report of his death followed his collapse at the station.
His family has raised concerns about possible neglect by police, saying he had underlying conditions and maintaining that he had committed no offence when arrested.
One of the men arrested alongside Otieno has given an account describing what he says happened inside the station.
He said Otieno offered to clean the cells in exchange for his release.
According to the man, the situation later deteriorated as Otieno’s condition worsened.
"He was rolling down and I started seeing him convulsing and noises coming from him. I banged on the door for police officers and they didn’t respond by the time they come they flashed the light and from what I can see his eyes were protruding and eyes were very red the vain on his neck were very protruding," he said.
The family had been trying to raise money after learning that Otieno had been arrested and was seeking his release.
A post-mortem examination conducted on Saturday reportedly found no external injuries consistent with assault.
The examination also reportedly established that the deceased had tuberculosis and a kidney-related illness.
The findings are part of the evidence investigators will examine as they seek to establish what happened and whether Otieno received care in custody.
Police maintained that officers were not responsible for the death.
