Mt Elgon MP Aspirant Nathan Wasama Shot Dead at Home in Bungoma

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested three suspects linked to the killing of Mount Elgon MP aspirant Nathan Masai Wasama in Bungoma County.

Wasama, 61, was shot dead at his shop in Tuikut, Cheptais, on Thursday, August 6. The DCI said the arrests followed several days of intelligence-led investigations.

Preliminary findings indicate that four men arrived at Tuikut Trading Centre on a motorcycle. One of the pillion passengers reportedly entered Wasama’s shop and shot him before fleeing with his accomplices.

During raids linked to the investigation, detectives recovered several items believed to have been used in the operation. They included a military-style smoke jacket, a stun grenade, three axes, a crowbar, three folding pangas, two pangas, two knives, five arrows, three motorcycles, two mobile phones and an iPod.

Police are still searching for the fourth suspect as investigators work to establish the motive and identify everyone involved.

Wasama had recently declared his intention to contest the Mount Elgon parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election. He was also known as a businessman, philanthropist, and active Seventh-day Adventist Church member.

The killing was not his first encounter with gunmen. In 2024, he survived an attempted murder in Kapcheshari, Bungoma County.

Former Chesikaki Councillor and Mt Elgon parliamentary aspirant Nathan Wasama Masai has reportedly been shot dead by unknown assailants at his home in Tuikut, Cheptais, Bungoma County.

Wasama was allegedly attacked at his residence on Thursday night, with the assailants reportedly shooting him before fleeing the scene. He sustained multiple gunshot injuries and was later reported dead.

The circumstances surrounding the killing remain unclear, with police yet to officially confirm details of the attack or disclose whether any suspects have been arrested.

The incident comes only weeks after Wasama publicly declared his intention to contest the Mt Elgon parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, raising questions over whether his political ambitions could have been linked to the attack.

Wasama Had Survived Earlier Shooting ¶

The latest incident was reportedly the second attempt on Wasama's life in two years.

In 2024, gunmen attacked him in the Kapcheshari area, with several bullets striking the rear section of his vehicle.

The attack occurred at around 7pm, but Wasama escaped without sustaining injuries. His latest killing has therefore heightened concerns over the safety of political aspirants and public figures in the region as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election.

Leaders Mourn Mt Elgon Aspirant ¶

Wasama was also known beyond politics as a businessman, philanthropist and active member of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church.

His death has triggered shock among leaders and residents in Mt Elgon, with calls growing for authorities to establish the circumstances behind the shooting and bring those responsible to justice.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa was among the first leaders to mourn Wasama, condemning the killing as a senseless act of violence.

Barasa urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch a swift and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

He also sent condolences to Wasama's family, friends, the people of Mt Elgon and members of the SDA Church.

DCI Faces Pressure to Unravel Killing ¶

The killing now places pressure on security agencies to determine who carried out the attack, how the assailants accessed Wasama's residence and whether the incident was linked to his political activities, business interests or other personal disputes.

Investigators will also face questions over the earlier 2024 shooting, particularly whether the two incidents could be connected.

The absence of an official police account has left several details surrounding the latest attack unconfirmed.

At the time of publication, the National Police Service (NPS) and DCI had not issued an official statement confirming the fatal shooting or announced arrests.

Wasama's death comes at a time when political activity is gradually intensifying ahead of the 2027 polls, with aspiring candidates increasingly positioning themselves for elective seats across the country.

The investigation will now be closely watched by residents of Mt Elgon as authorities come under pressure to establish the motive behind the killing and identify those responsible.