Robbers Reject Cash, Shoot Businessman Dead in Front of Wife

Fear and outrage have gripped Nakuru’s Pipeline Estate after a brutal armed robbery claimed the life of well-known businessman Jackson Mwangi Macharia. The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday evening, leaving residents demanding justice and renewed security measures.

Eyewitnesses Describe Fatal Ambush

According to eyewitnesses, two assailants armed with a gun and a machete ambushed the couple outside their home as they were closing their roadside business around 8 pm. Despite the couple’s attempts to surrender money in a desperate bid to appease the attackers, the robbers opened fire, killing Macharia instantly and leaving his wife with a gunshot wound to her arm.

“His wife handed over the money to the robbers, but they still shot him—he died on the spot and she was injured,” said one resident who witnessed the harrowing attack.

Community Blames Overgrown Bushes for Security Lapses

Residents have repeatedly voiced concerns over the overgrown bushes along the estate’s access road, which have become notorious hiding spots for criminals. “We’ve been complaining about the bushes, but no one is taking action,” lamented Lilian Chebai, a resident of nearby Joyland Estate.

Public Outcry and Protests Erupt

The murder triggered immediate protests, with angry locals blocking roads and demanding urgent justice. Security experts have warned that such attacks highlight deeper problems within Kenya’s urban security framework, where poor infrastructure and inadequate policing leave residents vulnerable to violent crime.

Urgent Call for Improved Security in Nakuru

The tragic killing of Jackson Mwangi Macharia serves as a stark reminder of the insecurity plaguing parts of Nakuru County. Local leaders are now facing mounting pressure to implement effective crime prevention measures and ensure the safety of residents.