10 GSU officers record statements over fatal shooting

Police officers maintain order at Isiolo Stadium moments before President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived for a political rally on May 20, 2017. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

At least 10 General Service Unit (GSU) officers and two politicians have recorded statements over the fatal shooting of a man in Isiolo last Saturday.

Firearms belonging to the officers from Merille, Samburu County were seized and spent cartridges taken for ballistic examination.

Isiolo County Commissioner George Natembeya said investigation was on going to determine who killed Jubilee gubernatorial candidate Abdul Bahari’s supporter.

Mr Bahari and Isiolo North MP Joseph Samal are among 16 people who have given their testimonies on the incident.

Some witnesses claimed a GSU officer shot dead a man along the Marsabit-Garba Tulla road in Isiolo during a peaceful political procession hours after President Uhuru Kenyatta’s rally at Isiolo Stadium.

“We have taken the cartridges for examinations to know whether the officers were involved,” said Mr Natembeya.

He said the GSU officers claimed to have heard about the death while they were on their way to Merille.

“The officers in their statement said they were clearing the road that had been blocked by the supporters who started hurling stones and causing chaos,” said the Commissioner.

Mr Natembeya who pledged to conduct a fair investigation said anyone found responsible will be charged.

On Saturday, Jubilee leaders in the county issued a 24-hour ultimatum to police to arrest the accused GSU officer.