The Karatina locals are mourning after a fatal shooting of George Matheri, a prominent 40-year-old entrepreneur and local employer.

The incident, which occurred late Sunday night around 11PM, has ignited a firestorm of protest as residents demand justice for a man they describe as a pillar of the local economy.

According to witnesses, the tragedy unfolded during a brief confrontation between Matheri and a police officer who was on patrol.

The encounter ended abruptly when Matheri was allegedly shot in the head at close range.

As news of the killing spread, the initial shock quickly turned into rage; angered residents took to the streets, barricading the Nairobi–Karatina highway with stones and burning tires, effectively paralyzing traffic and demanding an immediate explanation from the authorities.

For Matheri’s family, the loss is both senseless and heart-wrenching.

His wife, Ann Gathu, spoke through her grief to describe a man who was the bedrock of their home, insisting that if there was a legal issue, lethal force was entirely unnecessary.

“It would have been better if he was shot in the leg to give us a chance to solve the case while he is alive,” she lamented.

Deceased father, John Matheri, echoed these calls for accountability, urging the national government to address a disturbing trend of violent encounters between security forces and young citizens.

The local business community has also felt the ripple effects of the shooting.

In response to the growing public pressure, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has stepped in to take control of the investigation.

IPOA Chairman Issack Hassan confirmed on Monday that the officer involved has already been arrested and detained.

A Rapid Response Team from the Nyeri regional office has been deployed to the scene to conduct forensic and ballistic analyses and to record statements from those who witnessed the confrontation.

Regional Police Commander Jasper Ombati has pledged full cooperation with the oversight body, promising the family and the public that justice will not only be served but will be delivered in a timely manner.

As the investigation moves forward, the town remains on edge, with the memory of George Matheri serving as a rallying cry for those seeking an end to extrajudicial violence.