Three Arrested Over Killing of Mount Elgon MP Aspirant as DCI Hunt Fourth Suspect
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 61-year-old Mount Elgon parliamentary aspirant Nathan Masai Wasama, as detectives intensify investigations into the killing.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrests on Wednesday, August 12, saying the suspects were apprehended following days of intelligence-led investigations into the shooting at Wasama’s home and business premises in Tuikut, Cheptais, Mt Elgon Constituency, Bungoma County.
According to investigators, four men are believed to have been involved in the attack after arriving at Tuikut Trading Centre on a motorcycle.
One of the pillion passengers reportedly got off, walked into Wasama’s shop and shot him before fleeing with the other suspects.
“Detectives investigating the fatal shooting of 61-year-old businessman Nathan Masai Wasama in Cheptais, Bungoma County, have arrested three suspects as the dragnet tightens around those behind the killing,” the DCI said.
“Preliminary investigations established that one of the pillion passengers alighted, walked into Wasama’s shop and shot him before fleeing with his accomplices,” the agency added.
The arrests have also led to the recovery of a number of items that detectives believe could be connected to the operation.
Among the items recovered were a military-style smoke jacket, a stun grenade, three axes, a crowbar, three folding pangas, two pangas, two knives and five arrows.
Police also recovered three motorcycles, two mobile phones and an iPod during the operation.
The DCI said the search for the fourth suspect remains ongoing as investigators work to establish the motive for the killing and identify everyone involved.
The latest development comes amid heightened attention surrounding Wasama’s death, particularly because the businessman had recently announced his intention to contest the Mt Elgon parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
Wasama was known in the area not only for his political ambitions but also as a businessman, philanthropist and active member of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, where he participated in various community activities.
His death also raised concerns because he had previously survived an attack.
In 2024, Wasama was reportedly targeted by gunmen in the Kapcheshari area of Bungoma County. Investigators are now expected to examine whether the previous incident could provide clues to the circumstances surrounding his latest killing.
With three suspects in custody and another still being pursued, detectives are continuing to piece together the events leading to the shooting as the investigation into Wasama’s murder gathers pace.
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