Kaikai's Kicker: V.I.P gun incidents and police paralysis

Just over a week ago, David Nduati, a resident of Thika, was shot dead in an incident in which police confirmed that only one gun—a gun belonging to an elected member of parliament—was discharged on the day.

Video footage also shows the member of parliament firing in the direction of an apparently charged crowd.

In the end, David Nduati lay dead; a victim of apparent political supremacy games in Kiambu County; and potentially, a victim of another VIP-fired bullet.

The trend that should worry Kenyans though is the apparent lethargy of the police. The absence of initiative is evident; the lack of will palpable.

On the Thika shooting, the police appear to lack the steam to act. More than 12 days after the shooting of David Nduati, no suspect has been arrested.

 Some summons have been issued and a gun withdrawn in what looks more like a routine measure and less like the drive to find out who killed David Nduati and why.

The incident in Thika places the police in the dock of the court of public opinion. And the big question is – are the police about to walk down the same path of previous VIP-related shootings?

Two previous incidents come to mind. The first incident involved a member of parliament, Didmus Barasa, who was involved in an altercation with one Brian Oluga, the latter suffering a bullet shot to the head and dying on the spot. 

DCI ballistic experts linked Barasa’s pistol to the fatal shot that took away the life of Olunga but the MP was set free on grounds that the prosecution produced insufficient evidence.

Then there was the case of the then member of parliament and now cabinet secretary Aisha Jumwa who was charged over the fatal shooting of one Ngumbao Jola in 2019. 

The charges against Jumwa were later withdrawn by the DPP and the CS made a state witness.

Back to the Thika incident, it should be found disturbing that the pace police investigations are bearing all the hallmarks of a well-beaten path. 

My heartfelt condolences to the family of David Nduati and the best wishes as they pursue justice for their departed kin.

That is my kicker.