CCTV Reveals Details of Fatal Police Shooting of Karatina Businessman

New CCTV footage from a petrol station in Karatina Town, Nyeri County, has brought fresh details to light regarding the fatal shooting of a local businessman by police officers on the night of January 18, 2026.

The video, which surfaced on Tuesday, January 20, captures the tense moments leading up to the shooting, showing an escalating confrontation between two police officers and the businessman at his place of work.

According to eyewitness accounts, the deceased, identified as Gathu Matheri, had earlier been involved in a disagreement with his mechanic. The situation later attracted the attention of two police officers who were on patrol in the area and responded to the scene.

CCTV images indicate that at around 11:10pm, the interaction between the officers and Matheri became increasingly violent. The officers are seen physically assaulting him, with one officer pointing a firearm in his direction while striking him on the thighs.

In an apparent attempt to defuse the situation, Matheri walked away from the premises. However, the officers followed closely behind him. The footage shows the three moving toward a white van parked nearby, where the confrontation continued.

Moments later, the officers are seen handling their firearms as they exchange words with the businessman. At approximately 11:10:52pm, Matheri suddenly collapses to the ground after sustaining gunshot wounds. Reports indicate he was shot at close range.

The officers remained at the scene briefly before leaving, as members of the public began arriving shortly afterward.

The incident sparked public anger in Karatina Town, prompting the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to step in. IPOA confirmed that it had launched investigations and arrested the police officer believed to be responsible for the shooting.

In a statement issued on Monday, January 19, IPOA said a rapid response team from its Nyeri regional office had been deployed to secure the scene, gather forensic and ballistic evidence, and record witness statements.

On Tuesday, January 20, a police constable attached to Karatina Police Station was presented in court. The court granted IPOA’s request to have the suspect held in custody for 14 days to allow further investigations.

IPOA told the court that releasing the suspect on bail could put his safety at risk due to heightened public anger over the incident. The officer is expected to return to court on February 3, when he will take a plea.

Meanwhile, human rights organisations have condemned the shooting and renewed calls for swift and transparent investigations, warning that cases of alleged police brutality are becoming increasingly common. Activists have vowed to pursue justice for the victim and ensure accountability in the case.