Pipeline residents alarmed by rising insecurity after fatal shooting

Residents of Pipeline estate in Nakuru are protesting the rise of insecurity after a man was fatally shot on Wednesday.

The irate residents who took to the streets with twigs and placards barricaded the Nakuru-Elementaita road using burnt tires and rocks chanting “Wameua”.

This was in reference to Jackson Mwangi Macharia, a 53-year-old who was mercilessly murdered on May 21 at 8:50 pm.

The incident that happened at his shop located near the Joyland Church comes in the wake of recent spates of crime in the area.

Grace Wambui, a relative to the deceased says she was called by a church member at around 9 pm and informed to quickly call her aunt (wife to the deceased).

“Upon calling my aunt, she informed me to immediately rush back home. When I arrived, I met a crowd of people outside the house.  My aunt had been severely hurt on her arm and I was informed that the husband had been rushed to the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital,” she narrates.

Mary Wangui, a resident, says the community fondly referred to the deceased as “Baba Wambui”.

“The assailants came into the shop at around 8:50 pm and managed to rob Baba Wambui at gun point. They thought he would recognize them and I think that is why they shot him. His wife was also injured and she was rushed to hospital,” she laments.

The Nakuru Town East Sub County police commander, Samson Andaje confirmed the incident adding that the matter is under investigation.

Mtaa Wangu visited the crime scene which was just a walking distance from Mr. Jackson’s home.

According to Julia Waithera, a resident, the security situation in Joyland has become worse with this incident highlighting the gravity of the situation.

“The residents of Joyland are living in fear, we honestly do not know who will be the next victim. They have been incidents of people who were robbed in broad daylight and had their phones, motor bikes and other belongings stolen. Enough is enough. We need our elected leaders to act on this and guarantee us safety,” she says.

Another worried resident, Nyaituga Maina says the reason they came to the streets was because despite making several reports to the security agencies, no help was forthcoming.

“Our cries have fallen on deaf ears that is why this matter escalated to the streets. Additionally, lack of street lights and the poor roads in the area also play a part in the insecurity in the area,” he concludes.