A man narrowly escaped death after suspected gunmen opened fire on him during a dispute over a Sh100 debt at a quarry in Murang’a County, police have confirmed.
Detectives have launched a manhunt for three suspects linked to the shooting, which occurred on April 13 at Kwa Diana Quarry in Gatwikira, Ithanga/Kakuzi Sub-County.
According to investigators, the attackers were pursuing a man working at the site over the alleged debt when the confrontation escalated into violence.
Police said a 27-year-old suspect known to the victim, accompanied by two accomplices, confronted him at the quarry, sparking a heated dispute that quickly turned into a physical altercation.
During the scuffle, one of the assailants reportedly drew a pistol and fired three shots at the target.
“The victim escaped unhurt as he and other workers fled for safety,” police said in a statement. “The gunfire caused panic at the quarry, forcing the suspects to flee into a nearby bush before officers arrived.”
Responding officers recovered a 9mm bullet head at the scene, which has since been documented and submitted for ballistic analysis.
Authorities believe the examination will help determine whether the firearm used has been linked to other criminal incidents.
“No injuries were reported, and investigations are ongoing,” police added, confirming that the suspects were armed with a pistol.
Detectives have intensified efforts to track down the attackers as the search continues.
Crackdown on illegal mining
In a separate incident, police in Kakamega County arrested four Chinese nationals over alleged illegal mining activities along the River Yala.
The suspects were apprehended on April 14 by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters in Nairobi, with support from officers based at Eregi Police Station.
Police said the four were found conducting mining operations using a boat along the river at the time of their arrest.
They are currently being held at Eregi Police Station and are expected to be arraigned on April 15, 2026, at the Kakamega Law Courts.
Investigations into the alleged illegal activities remain ongoing.
Authorities warn that gold mining has increasingly attracted foreign nationals, raising concerns over unregulated operations and environmental degradation.
A specialised mining police squad has since been deployed to crack down on illegal activities, which officials say have become dangerous due to poor safety standards.
“Illegal mining poses serious risks to both lives and the environment,” an official said. “We are committed to enforcing the law and restoring order in affected regions.”
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