Three Suspects Arrested Over Fatal Shooting of Bungoma Businessman Nathan Masai Wasama

Detectives investigating the fatal shooting of 61-year-old businessman Nathan Masai Wasama in Cheptais, Bungoma County, have arrested three suspects as investigations intensify into the killing.

Wasama was shot dead on the night of August 8, 2026, at his shop in Tuikut Trading Centre, Sasur Location, Cheptais Sub-County, after four men reportedly arrived at the trading centre on two motorcycles.

Preliminary investigations indicate that one of the pillion passengers alighted, entered Wasama’s shop and shot him before fleeing the scene with his accomplices. A woman was also shot and injured during the incident and remains admitted at a local hospital in stable condition.

Detectives initially arrested Oscar Koech Sakong, who is among those being investigated in connection with the murder.

The investigation widened on August 11, when detectives, acting on a search warrant, raided a residence in Marigo Village, Cheptais Location, where they arrested two more suspects, identified as Wycliffe Chesubei Ngeiwa, alias Chota, and Geoffrey Makwere Masai.

The operation also led to the recovery of several items that detectives are examining as part of the investigation. They include a military-style smoke jacket, a stun grenade, three axes, a crowbar, three folding pangas, two pangas, two knives, five arrows, three motorcycles, two mobile phones and an iPod.

The three suspects remain in police custody as detectives prepare them for arraignment and seek custodial orders to allow investigators more time to pursue additional leads.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says the hunt for other suspects remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the motive for the shooting, identify everyone involved and reconstruct the events leading to Wasama’s death.

The investigation is expected to focus on the movements of the suspects before and after the shooting, the motorcycles allegedly used during the incident and the items recovered during the search.

Meanwhile, the DCI has urged members of the public to avoid spreading unverified allegations about the suspects or the circumstances surrounding the killing.

The agency warned that premature claims could prejudice the case, compromise ongoing investigations or create unnecessary public safety concerns.

The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation as detectives continue working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing of the Cheptais businessman and bring all those responsible to justice.