Kitengela shooting victim buried as family decries delayed justice

The family of the late Kevin Maseri, one of the victims of the Kitengela shooting, has raised concerns over delays in the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for his death.

Speaking during his burial at their home in Matali Village, Kitengela, Kajiado County, the family and local leaders called on Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga to fast-track the case. They also urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to rein in officers accused of misusing firearms.

Maseri died a week ago after sustaining gunshot wounds during a confrontation involving police officers at a club in Kitengela on January 25.

Nearly two weeks after the incident, and with no suspect yet in police custody, concerns are growing over delays in the pursuit of justice.

“His life was taken through a senseless act of violence, and this has left us deeply heartbroken. As a family, we call for justice to be served for his shooting and those responsible to be held accountable,” said Paul Maseri, Kevin’s brother.

Oloosirkon Chief, Daniel Isa added, “Tunajua kwamba investigations zinaendelea na tayari, kwa sababu tunafuatilia kwa karibu sana, file zimefika kwa ofisi ya ODPP. Tunauliza ODPP aweze kuchukua hatua ili wale ambao walihusika waweze kukamatwa na kupelekwa kortini na washtakiwe.”

With investigations still ongoing, leaders at the burial called on IG Kanja to suspend the officers allegedly involved and ensure there is no interference with the probe.

“When a senior police officer uses a firearm against somebody who is armed with a stone, that is not proportionate, it is not legal and it is absolutely unnecessary. We are asking to see justice done,” said family lawyer Daniel Kanchori.

“This is a very clear case kwamba hawa maofisa walikuwa pale wamelewa na wako na bunduki na wakaanza kupiga watoto risasi. It is unacceptable,” stated Kajiado East MP Kakuta Maimai.

Kajiado Senator, Seki Lenku added, “The IG must tell this county and these people why this young man has been killed and why the suspect is not yet in custody.”

Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku said the Senate will summon Inspector General Douglas Kanja to explain the circumstances surrounding Maseri’s death.

The family has also appealed to the government for compensation, saying his death has left them without a breadwinner.

Meanwhile, sources privy to the investigations told Citizen TV that two of the three pistols submitted for ballistic analysis tested positive, and their owners are likely to face charges.

Having buried their loved one, the family now says its focus has shifted to securing justice, with renewed calls on the Inspector General of Police to address cases of misuse of firearms among police officers. Gatete Njoroge, Citizen TV, Matali, Kajiado County.