Tragedy in Thome: Kiambu mother demands justice after son Is fatally shot by friend

A Kiambu family is demanding justice after a 24-year-old man was fatally shot by his friend at a Rubis petrol station in Thome Estate, Nairobi, on Thursday night.

Joe Augustine Macharia Maina, who worked in alcohol delivery, died after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. According to police, Macharia and his friend, Peter Langat Chumo, had just completed a delivery when the incident occurred around 11:00 p.m.

Earlier that night, Macharia had called his mother to inform her he was wrapping up his shift. She attempted to reach him again at 1:30 a.m., but he didn’t answer. Speaking in an interview, she said she later received the devastating news of his death around 9:30 a.m. the next day.

“He had just started the job for three weeks, and I was so happy when he used his first salary to buy me something. I didn’t know he would,” she said in a tearful interview.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested Chumo shortly after the shooting and took him to Kasarani Police Station. Chumo told officers that the gun discharged accidentally during a struggle between him and Macharia. However, police have not yet confirmed whether Chumo had a valid firearm licence.

Meanwhile, the DCI launched a full investigation into the shooting. Officers collected forensic evidence from the scene and are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the petrol station to determine exactly what happened.

As news of the shooting spread, it triggered a wave of outrage on social media. Many Kenyans questioned how a firearm could be involved in what appeared to be a routine work-related stop. One Facebook user, FearlessAfrican, posted, “Do these people think they own our lives? This adds insult to injury.” Another, solomontheuri, called for the release of security footage and demanded that witnesses speak up.

The tragedy also prompted concern among residents in Thome and Kiambu. Locals gathered at the family’s home to console the grieving mother and express their disbelief. Many wondered whether the shooting was truly accidental or if it pointed to something more sinister.

In response to public pressure, the police assured the public that they are conducting a thorough investigation. Although Chumo remains in custody, officers say they will file charges only after concluding their analysis and speaking with all relevant witnesses.

Human rights advocates have also weighed in, urging the government to enforce stricter gun control laws. They emphasized the growing risk posed by firearms in civilian hands, especially in urban centres like Nairobi.

Local leaders from Kiambu County, including MCAs and administrative officers, visited the family on Friday. They promised to support the investigation and monitor progress closely to ensure justice prevails.

For now, the family continues to mourn. As the investigation progresses, Macharia’s mother holds on to one hope: “I just want justice for my son.”