Githunguri MP’s bodyguard held over killing of club watchman

An agitated man who would have easily killed again if provoked is how Kiambu Deputy OCPD George Osur described Githunguri MP Gabriel Kago's bodyguard, who shot and killed an innocent security guard at an entertainment joint in Kiambu on Wednesday night.

Mr Osur told the Nation Thursday that the suspect, according to police investigations, is an Administration Police officer identified as Corporal Daniel Kinyanjui Wainaina, who had gone to Riseside Club a few minutes to 2am demanding to be let in to buy beer. When he was informed that the facility had closed, he drew his gun and shot the guard at close range. The man later succumbed to the gunshot injuries.

The security guard, who was pronounced dead at Radiant Hospital, has been identified as John Walumbengo, 32.

"According to our preliminary investigations, the police officer was denied entry into a bar since it had already closed its operations for the day and, infuriated by the issue, the suspect shot at a security guard at close range. Two bullets hit the security guard in the chest. The victim was rushed to the nearby hospital but, unfortunately, passed away while undergoing treatment," the police boss said.

Mr Osur said that after the shooting incident, the police officer escaped from the scene of crime but was traced to his rented house in Umoja Estate in Ngegu Location within Kiambu town.

Appeared disturbed

The police boss further told the Nation that Mr Kinyanjui appeared disturbed at the time of his arrest.

"He looked disturbed when we arrested him. Even at the police cells this morning, he was asking why he had been arrested. We arrested him while in the company of his wife and children," Mr Osur said.

A Ceska pistol loaded with 12 bullets was recovered from the police officer who will be charged at the Kiambu law courts on Friday.

Police said they intend to press murder charges against the suspect.

Contacted Thursday, the Githunguri MP told the Nation on the phone that he was aware of the unfortunate incident involving his bodyguard and the death of an innocent security guard but maintained that he was not with the officer when the incident happened. Mr Kago appealed for speedy investigations to ascertain what led to Mr Walubengo's death.

"First, I condole with the family that lost their loved one and I condemn the act of killing. I admit that the bodyguard in question is attached to my security detail but we were neither together nor close when the incident happened. I find the incident unfortunate and I appeal to police officers to speed up investigations so that the deceased can get justice," said Mr Kago.