Uproar in Kenya as Charcoal Rider Shot in Alleged Sh100 Bribe Dispute Dies
A Kenyan human rights organisation has strongly condemned what it describes as another disturbing case of police-related violence after a 27-year-old civilian died days after being shot during a deadly confrontation involving police officers and a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) ranger in Kwale County.
Vocal Africa said the victim, identified as Salim Masha, succumbed to gunshot injuries on January 17, three days after being hospitalised in critical condition.
In a strongly worded statement, Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid lamented what he termed a recurring pattern of fatal encounters involving armed security officers.
“Another week, yet again, another killing,” Khalid said.
“An innocent young man, 27-year-old Salim Masha, was shot in Kwale County and died three days later while receiving treatment.”
Deadly confrontation in Kwale
The fatal incident occurred on January 14 in Virungani village, along the Nyango–Kilibasi Road, after police officers stopped a boda boda rider who was transporting sacks of charcoal.
According to police accounts, Constable Stanley Karithi of Kilibasi Police Post and a fellow officer were questioning the rider when two KWS rangers from the nearby Kilibasi camp arrived at the scene. One of the rangers was later identified as John Ndichu.
What followed was a violent confrontation that left three people dead, including a police officer and the ranger himself.
Conflicting accounts emerge
Vocal Africa claimed the confrontation was triggered by a dispute over an alleged Sh100 bribe demand from the motorbike rider, moments before gunfire erupted.
However, police provided a different version of events, stating that the altercation stemmed from a disagreement between Constable Karithi and Ndichu over two goats allegedly donated by a local rancher for Christmas celebrations.
According to police, officers believed Ndichu had collected the goats but failed to hand them over as agreed. Ndichu reportedly denied the allegation, became agitated, and opened fire using an AK-47 rifle.
He allegedly shot and killed Constable Karithi at the scene before turning the weapon on Salim Masha, who had been riding the motorbike, and another police officer.
Salim was shot in the ribs, while the second officer sustained serious injuries.
Police said that after realising both men had been hit, Ndichu then turned the rifle on himself, fatally shooting himself at the scene.
Civilian dies days later
Salim was rushed to hospital in critical condition and remained under medical care for several days before dying on January 17.
Police confirmed that two firearms were recovered from the scene, including Ndichu’s rifle, which had two magazines loaded with 49 rounds of ammunition. The second KWS ranger’s rifle was also recovered with three magazines containing 90 rounds.
The bodies of the deceased were taken for post-mortem examinations, while the wounded police officer was admitted to hospital in serious but stable condition.
Calls for accountability
Vocal Africa said the incident highlights a deepening crisis of gun violence, abuse of power, and lack of accountability within Kenya’s security agencies — particularly during routine encounters with civilians.
The group called for an independent and transparent investigation, stressing that Salim was not a suspect in any criminal activity.
“Salim’s death underscores the grave risks civilians face during armed security operations,” the organisation said, adding that justice must be pursued for both the victim’s family and the public.
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Uproar in Kenya as Charcoal Rider Shot in Alleged Sh100 Bribe Dispute Dies