Kenyan man shot by neighbour in US, police condemned for failing to act

Davis Moturi was pruning a tree outside his compound when the neighbour, John Sawchak, shot him in the neck in an attempted murder incident. 

In videos circulating online, Moturi could be seen dropping to the ground, with his still running power saw also dropping by his side. 

Moturi sustained gunshot wounds to the neck, which led to a fractured spine, two broken ribs and a concussion. 

Police in Minneapolis have received widespread condemnation after they took over a week to arrest the suspect, and after failing to act when Moturi reported Sawchak to the police 20 times for harassment leading up to the shooting.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara admitted that the police failed Moturi, while detailing the steps they had taken to arrest the suspect, who has since been charged with attempted murder and racism. 

“The Minneapolis police somehow did not act urgently enough to prevent that individual from being shot," O'Hara said as quoted by CNN. 

There was an hourslong standoff between the police and the suspect, who had refused to surrender as police camped outside his house. 

Sawchak is said to be suffering from mental illness, but has been described by neighbours as racist, armed and dangerous.

Moturi, speaking from his hospital bed where he is recuperating, said police failed to act despite raising alarm over the continued harassment and racist attacks from his neighbour.

“I don’t call the police for fun. I call because I want my family to be safe. It’s very sad that it had to come to this. I’m looking forward to recovering safely and securely in the comfort of my home,” Moturi said.

Police in Minnesota are said to have opted to go slow on such incidents, following the killing of George Floyd in the same state by a police officer, which led to worldwide condemnation of the incident. 

Several states in the US witnessed protests following Floyd's death.