Police have arrested a businessman accused of fatally shooting a mason over a missing gate in the Flight View area of Athi River, Machakos County. The suspect, a licensed firearm holder, allegedly opened fire on the mason, identified as Samuel Mwangi Maina, following a heated confrontation at a construction site.
According to reports, Mwangi had hired a boda boda rider to ferry him to the site on the morning of Saturday, October 11, 2025. Upon arrival, he contacted the property owner, who turned out to be the businessman. The suspect soon arrived at the scene accompanied by another man.
Witnesses told police that the businessman immediately confronted Mwangi, grabbing him by the neck while demanding to know the whereabouts of his missing gate. During the altercation, the businessman’s companion reportedly joined in the assault. The situation escalated when the businessman drew his firearm and threatened to shoot Mwangi if he did not reveal where the gate had gone.
The second man is said to have taken the firearm and fired two warning shots into the ground, further intimidating the mason. The noise from the gunfire attracted nearby residents, who began gathering at the scene. Realising that an angry mob was closing in, the two men attempted to flee.
As they were being pursued, the businessman regained control of his weapon and opened fire, hitting Mwangi in the chest. The injured mason was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police officers responding to the incident found a large crowd at the site and had to intervene quickly to prevent mob justice. The businessman was rescued from the angry residents, disarmed, and taken into custody. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting, while authorities continue to search for the other suspect who participated in the assault and fired shots earlier in the confrontation.
Law enforcement officials have reiterated their concern over the rising misuse of firearms by licensed gun holders. Despite strict vetting and monitoring procedures, several similar cases have been reported across the country, prompting calls for tighter control and re-evaluation of firearm licensing. Police records indicate that Kenya currently has around 15,000 licensed firearm holders, each required to undergo rigorous background checks before being issued a permit.
