Shopkeeper fatally shot after refusing to withdraw theft case in Samburu village

Detectives are investigating an incident where a shopkeeper died after being shot by unknown assailants who allegedly demanded that he withdraw a theft case against their friend in Samburu East Sub-County.

According to the police, the attackers reportedly confronted Douglas Ntongai over a case involving a local who had previously been arrested at the victim’s shop while allegedly stealing and subsequently arraigned.

Police said the assailants demanded that Ntongai withdraw the case against one Samuel Lemayan who is in custody.

However, when the shopkeeper told them he could not withdraw the matter, the attackers allegedly opened fire on him before fleeing the scene.

Ntongai was rushed to Isiolo Level Five Hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries on Monday.

The police visited the scene and said the shooting is linked to the pending court case, with investigators pursuing the suspects over the killing.

A joint pursuit involving Kenya Police Service officers, Sera Conservancy rangers and National Police Reservists (NPR) was launched to track down and arrest the assailants.

The suspects remain at large as investigations continue, police said on Wednesday.

And police officers fired several shots into the air to disperse a group of about 20 boda boda operators who stormed Wamba Police Station in Samburu East Sub-County, demanding the release of a man who had reported an assault.

The incident occurred on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at around 8:30pm, after the complainant sought refuge at the station following an alleged assault by one of the motorcycle riders.

According to police, the group confronted an officer who was handling the complainant and demanded that he be handed over to them to face what they described as punishment for differing with one of their own.

When officers declined to release the man, the group allegedly attempted to overpower an officer and forcefully remove the complainant from the station.

During the confrontation, the officer was reportedly strangled and sustained minor injuries to his neck. He managed to use his rifle to protect his firearm and prevent the complainant from being taken away by the group.

Officers who were on patrol responded to the scene and fired several rounds into the air to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation.

Following the incident, police recovered and detained three motorcycles at the station in connection with the attack.

Police have launched efforts to identify those involved in the attack and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, with appropriate legal action expected against those found culpable.

The incident highlights growing concerns over mob violence and attempts by groups to take the law into their own hands rather than allow the police and courts to handle disputes.

Police discourage mob lynching and term it criminal.