By John Mugendi
A police officer attached to Majira police post in Maara Sub-County in Tharaka Nithi County has shot dead a 20-year-old man, Brian Munene.
The deceased was working at the post where he had been serving a non-custodial sentence when he allegedly threatened to attack the officer with a fork jembe.
Confirming the incident, Chogoria Police Station OCS, Mr Boniface Kiilu said the deceased was shot on the head and died instantly.
He said upon receiving the report, he informed officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and those from Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) who arrived at the scene before the body was picked.
“We are urging residents to remain calm because the issue is being handled by the IPOA and CID officers and the truth will be known and justice served,” said Mr Kiilu.
Angry residents barricaded the Chogoria-Meru town road protesting the killing forcing police to lob tear gas canisters to disperse them.
Chogoria MCA Margaret Gitari castigated the killing and demanded justice for the deceased family.
“The officer shot the man on the head because he clearly wanted to kill him,” said Ms Gitari.
Family members have also called on the government to ensure that they are served with justice for the death of their kin.
The killing came just a day after a 29-year-old man who was shot dead by a police officer guarding Meru Deputy Governor Titus Ntuchiu’s home in Kimachia-Chung’ari village, Tigania West, Meru County.
Morris Mutuma reportedly had trespassed into the farm of the deputy governor and started threatening workers who were harvesting maize.
The officers were called and the victim allegedly threatened to slash one with a machete when he was shot dead.
