Police in Nairobi have launched investigations into the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old man in Thome Estate, Kasarani, under unclear circumstances.
The victim, identified as Joel Austin Macharia Maina, was shot at close range on Thursday, June 19, in an incident that has sparked outrage and calls for justice from residents.
According to Kasarani Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer Alloyce Mboya, the suspect — reportedly a friend of the deceased — fled the scene after the shooting but was later arrested and detained at Kasarani Police Station.
Mboya said the suspect told investigators that an argument had erupted between him and Maina inside a vehicle, leading to a physical altercation. The suspect claimed Maina attempted to grab his firearm, which allegedly discharged accidentally during the struggle.
However, detectives revealed that the bullet entered through the left side of Maina’s head and exited through the right — an indication that the shot was fired from close range.
“The nature of the entry and exit wounds suggests it was a close-range shooting,” Mboya confirmed.
The incident has caused tension in the area, with residents staging a demonstration to demand justice for the slain youth. Concerns have also been raised over the impartiality of the investigation after unverified reports emerged suggesting that the suspect is related to a senior government official.
Police say investigations are ongoing as pressure mounts for transparency and accountability in the case.
