By:Betty Luke
Tension gripped Isiolo Town on Tuesday as angry residents took to the streets to protest the fatal shooting of a businesswoman, barricading major roads and disrupting transport as they demanded improved security.
The unrest followed the killing of a businesswoman, Angelina Kananu, who was shot dead moments after closing her shop near Isiolo main stage.
County Police Commander Isaac Sang said the victim had called a boda boda rider to ferry her home when armed attackers struck. The rider was also injured during the attack and is receiving treatment.
Sang described the killing as a targeted attack but urged the public to remain calm and allow investigators to establish the motive.
“We received reports that a businesswoman had been attacked after closing her business. She was shot dead. It appears to have been a targeted attack, but investigations are ongoing,” he said.
The police boss said investigators were pursuing several leads, including the possibility of business rivalry, although he stressed that no conclusion had been reached.
“There could be something that triggered this incident. It is suspected to be linked to business rivalry, but that is yet to be confirmed. We are calling on anyone with information that could help investigations to come forward and work with the police,” Sang said.
He appealed to residents not to turn against one another based on business competition or speculation but to run their businesses in peace.
“Let us live in peace and conduct our businesses without hating each other. This is an act that we all condemn,” he added.
The latest shooting comes amid growing concern over a series of unresolved killings in the county. Nearly two weeks ago, a man was found dead in Kulamawe area in what is believed to have been a targeted attack. He is expected to be buried later this week.
A month ago another businessman was abducted before his body with some body parts missing was discovered in a bush only a few metres from the town centre. His motorcycle was also stolen during the incident, further deepening fears over insecurity in the area.
The family is yet to receive a comprehensive postmortem report on what exactly transpired.
In December last year, another young man was shot dead in a similar attack at Kambi ya Juu, a case that also remains unresolved.
The string of killings has left residents demanding swift action from security agencies, with many calling for thorough investigations and enhanced security measures to stem the rising violence and restore public confidence.
