Two additional suspects have voluntarily surrendered to police in connection with the August 8 murder of Nathan Masai Wasama, a former local politician and businessman in Bungoma County. This brings the total number of persons in custody to five.
The pair handed themselves over at Cheptais Police Station on Wednesday morning, August 12, 2026, before being transferred to Sirisia Police Station. Another individual also surrendered at Chwele Police Station and was taken into custody.
Ongoing Investigation
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that the two men are among those held as detectives continue probing the circumstances surrounding Wasama's death.
Wasama, aged 61, was fatally shot at his shop in Tuikut Trading Centre, Sasur Location, Cheptais Sub-County. According to the DCI, four men arrived on two motorcycles, with one pillion passenger entering the shop and shooting Wasama before the group fled.
A woman was also injured in the shooting and remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Earlier Arrests and Evidence
On August 11, police raided a residence in Marigo Village, Cheptais Location, arresting two suspects. The search yielded several items including:
- A military-style smoke jacket
- A stun grenade
- Axes, crowbar, folding pangas, knives, and arrows
- Three motorcycles
- Mobile phones and an iPod
These items are being examined as part of the investigation.
Background and Next Steps
Wasama had served as councillor for Sasuri Ward and was linked historically to the Sabaot Land Defence Force conflict in Mt Elgon, though no connection to that past has been established in the current case.
The DCI continues to pursue leads to identify all involved parties and determine the motive behind the killing. Those in custody will be presented in court once investigations conclude.
The agency has appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could hinder the investigation or compromise public safety.
