VIP cop shoots man dead in Kawangware argument

Police are investigating an incident where an officer shot and killed a man during a dispute over a pool game in Kawangware, Nairobi.

The officer, reportedly attached to a VIP in a top government office, is said to have shot Amos Lagat, 35, seven times at close range.

However, he later reported to Muthangari Police Station, claiming he had been attacked by unknown individuals attempting to rob him of his firearm.

He said he fired into the air while escaping, fracturing his leg in the process.

The officer returned his Ceska pistol to the station before being taken to the hospital. The weapon has been taken for ballistic tests.

Witnesses told police the altercation occurred on the evening of Sunday, March 23, at a joint in the Amboseli area, where the deceased had reportedly won a pool bet.

A disagreement escalated into a confrontation, leading to the fatal shooting. Lagat was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Investigators visited the scene and recorded statements from witnesses, including the officer involved.

“If there is an element of lying from any side we will take further action. Life was lost and we have to ensure justice,” said an officer aware of the probe.

There have been complaints from Lagat’s family and friends alleging interference and attempts at a cover-up.

 As of Monday, police had not yet questioned the officer, as he remained hospitalized.

Meanwhile, a police officer attached to Mwihoko Police Station in Kiambu was arrested for allegedly extorting money from photographers in the Nairobi city center.

The officer reportedly demanded money from photographers near Afya Center, accusing them of taking pictures of restricted structures. One of the photographers reported the incident, leading to his arrest by officers from Kamkunji Police Station.

Authorities are investigating the matter, with an intention to take further action. Many commercial photographers have raised concerns about extortion by both police and county government officials.