Fear has returned to Mt Elgon after the assassination of former councillor and parliamentary aspirant Nathan Masai Wasama, with residents linking his killing to the possible re-emergence of outlawed militia networks and growing political rivalry ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Mr Wasama, a politician and businessman, was shot dead by two men last Thursday night, August 6, 2026 at Tiwigul/Tuikwol market in Cheptais, about 200 metres from his home.
The killing has rekindled painful memories of the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) violence that rocked the region before the militia was crushed in a Kenya Army operation in 2008.
Residents have also raised concerns over the presence of illegal firearms in the area, with some linking the latest killing to suspected remnants of the former militia.
“Although the militia group was defeated by military operation in 2008, some of the remnants are still roaming around here and have turned into goons for hire to commit serious crime,” said a resident who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Another resident claimed the attackers were known and called on police to move quickly to arrest the suspects.
“The killers are well known and the police should intensify investigations and hasten the process of arresting them,” the resident said as tension gripped the area following the shooting.
Police, however, have not publicly linked the killing to the former militia or established a political motive.
Mr Wasama had recently declared his intention to challenge Mt Elgon MP Fred Kapondi for the parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
His death comes two years after he survived another attack in which unknown gunmen sprayed his vehicle with bullets near his Yamoi home in 2024. He survived the attack and subsequently maintained that he would contest the parliamentary seat in 2027.
Bungoma County Police Commander Anderson Njagi said on Friday that detectives had launched investigations to establish the motive of the killing and identify and arrest those responsible. He confirmed that Mr Wasama was attacked by two armed gunmen.
“The shooting occurred around 8pm and investigations have been launched into the matter,” said Mr Njagi.
Victim's traumatised family
The police boss said security agencies were pursuing at least five suspects and warned residents in possession of illegal firearms that they would face intensified security operations.
“We urge members of the public to cooperate with security agencies during the probe. We are committed to ensuring that those behind this heinous crime are brought to justice,” he said.
“We are appealing to anyone in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them to the government. A security crackdown will be intensified against those who continue to hold weapons unlawfully,” he warned.
His wife, Ms Janet Chepkwemoi, said she was away when the shooting happened and only learnt of her husband's death after a villager informed her.
“The shooting hit me like a thunderbolt. It’s a major blow to the family since my husband was the sole breadwinner,” said Ms Chepkwemoi, a mother of seven.
“I fainted on receiving the sad news and I was rushed to Cheptais Hospital. I only reunited with the family in the morning when the body was being moved from the shooting scene,” she said.
Ms Chepkwemoi said her husband had remained active in politics while also running businesses to support the family.
“I don’t know the circumstances that led to the shooting but what I know is that my husband has been a politician apart from running businesses to support the family,” she said.
Wasama's brother, Mr Jacob Kibet, said he arrived at the homestead on Friday morning and found his brother's body still at the scene.
“I was informed of the shooting last night and I arrived at the homestead this morning only to find the body of my brother still lying at the shooting scene,” he said, condemning the killing and calling on police to expedite investigations.
Mr Samuel Boiyo, a villager, said the slain politician was leaving a bathroom a few metres from his shop when the gunmen opened fire.
“The slain politician was leaving the bathroom some few metres from his shop when the armed gangsters shot at him at close range. The gunshots terrified traders at the market, who scampered for safety,” said Mr Boiyo.
The attackers are said to have fled on foot after the shooting, leaving Mr Wasama for dead.
A woman was also reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the incident and was rushed to Cheptais dispensary for treatment, according to Mr Boiyo.
The Tuikwol market was deserted on Friday, with Mr Wasama's shop closed following the fatal shooting of the trader-turned-politician.
Police officers from Bungoma later collected the body, which remained at the scene from Thursday evening until about 11am on Friday, when it was taken to a funeral home in Kimilili.
Memories of past violence
A team of investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) visited the scene and launched a probe into the killing, which has heightened tension across the Mt Elgon region.
Mr Wasama, a former Chekisaki ward councillor and former Sasur ward civic leader, was described by residents and community leaders as a philanthropist and grassroots politician with a strong following in Cheptais and Mt Elgon.
He was once arrested together with Mr Kapondi at the height of the Sabaot militia violence in 2007, when the Kenya Army launched Operation Linda Maisha. The operation led to the killing of SLDF leader Mr Wycliffe Matakwei, according to accounts from the period.
Sabaot elders from Trans Nzoia and Bungoma counties, led by former Kitale Deputy Mayor Pius Arap Kauka, condemned the killing and demanded swift investigations.
Speaking to journalists in Kitale on Saturday, Mr Kauka urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“We want the Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen to work with speed to ensure those involved are brought to book. This is a very sad time for our community,” said Mr Kauka, who was flanked by elders.
Mr Wasama was also among Sabaot leaders and elders pushing for a cleansing ceremony at Toloso in Mt Elgon, including a plan to cut down a fig tree as part of efforts to end what they regard as perennial suffering and a bad omen that has afflicted the community for years.
Neighbours described Mr Wasama as a man who championed social and political issues affecting the community and used his businesses and influence to support local residents.
“Whatever the late Wasama did was for the good of the community. Away from politics, he participated in empowering the community through businesses and counselling,” said Ms Sarah Cheses, a neighbour.
Human rights defender and Mendeleo ya Wanawake-Mt Elgon regional chairlady Ms Eunice Chepchumba was among mourners who visited the family and condemned the killing.
“I worked with the late Wasama in advocating for the rights of minority and marginalised communities. He was a grassroots mobiliser who eyed a parliamentary seat in the next general elections,” she said.
The killing has also unsettled politicians preparing to contest elective positions in Mt Elgon in 2027.
Mr Michael Maruti, Patrick Chemosit, Mr Patrick Kosum and Mr Francis Kiboi were among aspirants who condemned the killing after viewing Wasama's body at a funeral home in Kiminini town on Saturday.
They called on police to investigate all possible motives, including political assassination.
“We are very sad and this shows how most of us face insecurity in our pursuit for leadership positions. There are people who believe elective positions in Mt Elgon are a preserve of some people,” said Mr Maruti.
The aspirants called on the government to guarantee their security as the region heads towards the 2027 campaigns and elections.
