A taxi driver was last night shot dead by a gang that was fleeing after stealing over Sh.150, 000 from an M-Pesa outlet in Kitui Town.
The youthful taxi driver identified as Brian Mburu was standing outside Miss Hallo Charo Enterprises shop owned by Charles Musyoki when the gang of three struck as he closed his shop at around 9.30 pm.
Confirming the incident Thursday, Kitui County Police Commander Lydia Ligami said, “During the ensuing melee as the robbers exited the shop, they shot Mburu after he spotted them. He was rushed to Kitui Level 5 Hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries as doctors tried to save his life,” said Ligami.
Lydia said security personnel recovered two spent cartridges and two bullet heads at the scene of crime. “We have sent them for ballistic examination at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Nairobi as we close ranks in our
investigations with a view to bringing the culprits to book,” she added.
She assured the Kitui business community of enhanced patrols to secure the town as they went about their daily chores, adding that the robbery was an isolated incident.
Condemning the incident, James Ngene, Director Kitui County Chamber of Commerce called on the police to increase patrols at night to ensure a 24 hour economy in the town.
Ngene said that the local business community was worried following macabre killing of the taxi driver who was doing a legitimate business to fend for his family.
“We appeal to all security agencies to move with speed and seal loopholes exploited by the criminal elements to scare investors out of Kitui town, which has remained largely peaceful over the years,” he said.
Meanwhile, taxi drivers in the town held a peaceful procession in honour of their departed colleague, while challenging the police to apprehend the killers.
By Yobesh Onwong’a
