TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

As the sun dipped over Nakuru’s Pipeline estate on Wednesday, May 21, a quiet evening turned tragic when a well-known businessman was fatally shot by suspected thugs.

The attack occurred around 8 pm, in front of his home, and left his wife injured.

The incident sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood and sparked protests as angry residents took to the streets to denounce the growing insecurity in the area.

The businessman, identified as Jackson Mwangi Macharia, was attacked while closing his roadside business, which he had operated for several years at the front of his compound.

According to eyewitnesses, two assailants armed with a gun and a machete ambushed the couple as they were wrapping up for the day.

“His wife had to surrender the money to appease the thugs, but sadly they shot them—killing him instantly and injuring her on the arm,” one resident recounted.

Lilian Chebai, a resident of nearby Joyland estate, told that criminal activity in the area has been rising, and despite repeated pleas to security authorities, no effective action has been taken.

“He was ambushed and ordered to hand over money. He didn’t resist. He turned around to give it to them, and they shot him in the back. It’s a very sad incident for us here,” she said.

Residents blamed the attack partly on the overgrown bushes along the estate’s access road, which they say provide hiding spots for criminals lying in wait to ambush unsuspecting residents.

The killing sparked an immediate public outcry, with enraged locals blocking roads and demanding swift justice.

Police struggled to calm the situation as residents questioned how armed individuals could carry out such a brazen act and walk away undisturbed.

“Where does an ordinary civilian get the audacity to shoot someone at 8 pm and walk away as if nothing happened? We want answers!” one protester shouted at police officers on the scene.

Police have since assured the public that investigations into the murder are underway and promised that those involved will face the full force of the law.

In response to growing security concerns, officers also pledged to increase patrols in the area to deter future attacks.

Teresia Nyambura, another resident, told that insecurity in the estate has worsened over the past year, with criminals on motorcycles openly robbing people, even in broad daylight.

“Just two weeks ago, a man was slashed with a panga near AIC Mwariki. We reported it, and nothing happened. My neighbour was attacked on her way home from work. These incidents are getting worse,” she lamented.

Peter Kimani, another concerned local, pointed to the lack of street lighting as a major contributor to the insecurity and called on the Nakuru County Government to take urgent action.

“The absence of security lights makes it easier for criminals to operate. The county must step in and restore safety before more lives are lost,” he said.

In a related story previously covered by , a Migori businessman, Zachary Otieno Mogaka, was shot dead outside his shop on the evening of Tuesday, March 4.

The 50-year-old was attacked at around 5:40 pm near Pastor Machage Hospital in Suna West sub-county, just moments after closing his business for the day.

According to Suna West sub-county police commander Chrispine Ogutu Mong’ina, the deceased sustained four gunshot wounds to the arm and chest, and died on the spot.

Source: TUKO.co.ke