Murang’a police on the spot over controversial shooting of two robbery suspects

Police Identify Man Killed in Murang’a Night Drama, Reveal Criminal Record
Murang’a police have identified one of the two men shot dead in a late-night confrontation in the Kambiti area as a known criminal, shedding new light on an incident that has sparked public outcry. The man, identified as 35-year-old James Mwangi, also known as Jamii, was gunned down alongside another individual after police from the Murang’a DCI headquarters responded to a call about suspicious activity. Authorities have since stated that Mwangi had an existing criminal record, including charges related to the theft of coffee and chicken, in an effort to contextualize the deadly encounter.
According to the police account, the incident unfolded when officers, acting on a tip-off, located a vehicle that had been previously used in criminal activities. Upon attempting to intercept the car, a confrontation ensued, leading to the shooting. A pistol was reportedly recovered from the scene. The second deceased individual, who was driving the vehicle, is yet to be publicly identified as police work to notify his family. This official narrative aims to frame the event as a legitimate operation against armed and dangerous criminals, contrasting sharply with the concerns raised by local residents following the shootings.
The revelation of Mwangi’s criminal history is a pivotal point in the ongoing investigation into the shooting. While police cite this record as justification for their operation, the disclosure is likely to intensify the debate surrounding the use of lethal force by security personnel. Human rights advocates often argue that a criminal record does not negate the right to due process and a fair trial. As the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) continues its probe, the focus will remain on whether the officers’ actions constituted a necessary use of force or an extrajudicial killing, a recurring point of tension in Kenya. The community and the nation now await the findings, which will determine the final accounting of this violent night in Murang’a.