A land dispute in Katani, Machakos County, turned deadly on Sunday after a man was fatally shot during a confrontation. The victim, identified as Sammy, a well-known land broker in the area, was shot by an unidentified gunman following what witnesses described as a heated argument that escalated into violence.
Footage obtained shows a man believed to be the shooter fleeing an angry crowd while brandishing a firearm and threatening to open fire. The video is said to have been recorded moments after Sammy was gunned down.
According to local residents, the armed suspect was part of a duo reportedly sent to intimidate the broker. The situation quickly attracted attention from bystanders, leading to a tense standoff.
“I found them intimidating the land broker with a weapon. When they noticed the crowd gathering, one of them started firing shots into the air,” one witness recounted.
Another witness claimed the gunman fired multiple rounds in an attempt to disperse the crowd that had begun demanding accountability for the broker’s shooting.
“We heard gunshots for several minutes,” a witness said. “Then we saw Sammy arrive on a motorbike. He was already badly injured.”
A Good Samaritan offered his pickup truck to transport the victim to the hospital, but Sammy succumbed to his injuries before receiving treatment. His death has since sparked protests from outraged residents who witnessed the incident.
The victim’s brother has alleged foul play, stating that Sammy had been summoned by unknown individuals for what was believed to be a routine meeting, unaware that the individuals were armed.
In the aftermath, angry locals set fire to the vehicle used by the assailants to travel to Katani.
Police have since linked the altercation to a local landowner who is believed to have orchestrated the intimidation attempt. The landowner has been taken into custody and is currently being held at Mavoko Police Station as investigations continue.
