Detectives are investigating an incident in which a shopkeeper died after being shot by unknown assailants who allegedly demanded that he withdraw a theft case against their friend in Samburu East Sub-County.

According to police, the attackers reportedly confronted Douglas Ntongai over a case involving a local man who had previously been arrested at the shop while allegedly stealing and subsequently arraigned in court.

Police said the assailants demanded that Ntongai withdraw the case against the suspect, who remains in custody.

However, when the shopkeeper reportedly told them he could not withdraw the matter, the attackers allegedly opened fire on him before fleeing the scene.

Ntongai was rushed to Isiolo Level Five Hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries on Monday, according to police.

Police officers visited the scene, with investigators pursuing leads into the shooting.

A joint operation involving Kenya Police Service officers, Sera Conservancy rangers and National Police Reservists (NPR) was launched to trace and arrest the suspects, who remain at large as investigations continue.

In a separate incident, police officers reportedly fired several shots into the air to disperse a group of about 20 boda boda operators who stormed Wamba Police Station in Samburu East Sub-County, demanding the release of a man who had reported an assault.

The incident occurred on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at around 8.30 pm, after the complainant sought refuge at the station following an alleged assault by one of the motorcycle riders.

According to police, the group confronted an officer who was attending to the complainant and demanded that he be handed over to them for what they described as punishment for differing with one of their own.

Police said the group allegedly attempted to overpower an officer and remove the complainant from the station after officers declined to release him.

During the confrontation, the officer was reportedly strangled and sustained minor injuries to his neck. He reportedly used his rifle to protect his firearm and prevent the complainant from being taken away by the group.

Officers who were on patrol responded to the scene and fired several rounds into the air to disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation, according to police.

Following the incident, police recovered three motorcycles and detained them at the station as part of investigations into the reported confrontation.

Police said efforts were underway to identify those involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, with legal action expected against those found culpable.

The incident has raised concerns about mob violence and attempts by groups to take the law into their own hands rather than allow police and courts to handle disputes.

Police have discouraged mob lynching, describing it as a criminal act.