Katani Machakos land dispute shooting
One person was shot dead in Katani, Machakos County, after a heated land dispute escalated into chaos on Sunday, sparking protests and property destruction in the area.
Land Broker Killed in Violent Dispute
The deceased, identified as Sammy, a local land broker, was reportedly gunned down by an armed man following a confrontation linked to ownership of a contested parcel.
Witnesses said the argument quickly turned violent when the armed suspect and an accomplice began intimidating the broker. As the crowd gathered, one of the men opened fire.
A video circulating online shows a gunman fleeing an angry mob while threatening to shoot. Moments later, Sammy was seen critically injured before being rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
“We heard gunshots for several minutes. Then we saw Sammy arriving on a motorbike. He was badly injured,” one witness said.
Protests and Arrests
Following the killing, angry residents set fire to a vehicle believed to belong to the suspects in protest. Police later linked the shooting to a local landowner, alleged to have orchestrated the intimidation of the broker.
The suspected landowner has since been arrested and is being held at Mavoko Police Station as investigations continue.
The victim’s brother claimed foul play, saying Sammy had been lured into a meeting without knowing his assailants were armed.
