Actor Caught Up in Nairobi CBD Shooting Drama ¶
On Friday afternoon, chaos erupted along Moi Avenue in Nairobi's central business district after a security guard and a passerby were hit by stray bullets.
According to witnesses, the shooter was actor Ainea Ojiambo, who had been walking down the street when he was accosted by three thugs who wanted to snatch his gold neck chain.
Unknown to the criminals, the actor had a gun, which he immediately drew and aimed at them, causing them to scamper for safety.
However, in the brief melee that followed, two gunshots were heard. The first bullet hit the security guard's left eye, as he manned the entrance to Cubes exhibition stores. The passerby was shot in the ribs and was quickly carried into Kassangas music shop a few metres away from the scene of the shooting.
Witnesses claimed that the actor had aimed for the thugs who had run towards the security guard, but missed.
"He pushed one of the men, pulled out a gun and tried shooting the thugs but unfortunately, the first bullet hit the security guard, who was seated at the entrance to exhibition stores, while the second bullet hit another man who was walking by," a source said.
Police did not confirm the witness accounts, but a protest ensued, with boda boda riders and others accusing police of "securing the suspect". It was then that the officers lobbed teargas canisters to disperse the crowd.
Lawyer Cliff Ombeta, who was present at Central Police Station, confirmed he was representing Mr Ojiambo in the matter but said they were still not sure what he would be charged with.
