Shock and grief have gripped Bungoma County after former Chesikaki councillor and 2027 Mt Elgon parliamentary aspirant Nathan Wasama Masai was shot dead in a suspected assassination.

Wasama was reportedly killed on the night of Thursday, August 6, after armed assailants allegedly stormed his home in Tuikut village, Cheptais, and opened fire before escaping.

The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, with authorities yet to announce any arrests or publicly identify suspects. Detectives have launched investigations as they seek to establish the motive behind the killing.

Wasama had only recently declared his intention to contest the Mt Elgon parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election, raising concerns over whether his political ambitions could have been linked to the attack.

The killing also comes after an earlier reported attempt on his life in 2024. Gunmen allegedly ambushed his vehicle in Kapcheshari and opened fire, although Wasama survived the incident unharmed.

From politician to community mobiliser

Beyond politics, Wasama was known as a businessman and philanthropist who was actively involved in community initiatives in the Mt Elgon region.

He was also a committed member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and had built a reputation through his involvement in charitable and community development activities.

His death has sparked widespread mourning among residents, friends, political allies and supporters, with leaders calling for swift action to bring those responsible to justice.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa condemned the killing and urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to move with speed in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.

Security concerns return to Mt Elgon

The incident has renewed concerns over security in parts of Mt Elgon, a region that has historically experienced episodes of violence linked to land disputes, banditry and political tensions.

However, investigators have not established or publicly indicated that the killing was politically motivated.

Residents are now calling for a thorough and transparent investigation to determine exactly what happened, identify the motive and ensure that those behind the shooting face the full force of the law.

As detectives continue piecing together the events leading to Wasama's death, his killing is expected to intensify scrutiny of security in the region ahead of the 2027 political season.