KARATINA, Kenya — New CCTV footage has captured the moment Police Constable Peter Wamiti Mwangi shot and killed George Gathu Matheri, a 40‑year‑old businessman, in Karatina town, Nyeri County, triggering a formal police oversight probe and public outcry.
The footage — which has been widely shared on social media and obtained by investigators — shows what appears to be a confrontation between Matheri and at least two officers from Karatina Police Station near a petrol station shortly after 11 pm on January 18, 2026.
In the video, Matheri, wearing a white T‑shirt and blue jeans, is seen in a brief exchange with the officers before one of them points a firearm at him. Moments later, he is struck and collapses.
Eyewitnesses at the scene tried to intervene and de‑escalate the confrontation, but the incident ended with Matheri’s death before emergency responders arrived.
Following the release and circulation of the CCTV, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed that it had taken custody of the footage as part of its ongoing investigation into the killing.
In disbelief I have watched this CCTV footage of AP police Peter Wamiti Mwangi shooting and killing George Gathu Matheri, a 40-year-old businessman in Karatina Nyeri. He should be jailed for 1000 yrs. National Police Service should compensate the family.
IPOA chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said investigators have seized the scene and are collecting crucial evidence, including forensic and ballistic analysis, to determine the exact sequence of events.
Constable Peter Wamiti Mwangi appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Mary Gituma at the Nyeri Law Courts on January 20.
The prosecution requested to detain the officer for 21 days to complete investigations, citing public outrage and concerns about witness interference, but the court ordered that he remain in custody for 14 days.
The incident has sparked anger and protests in Karatina, with residents barricading sections of the Nairobi–Karatina highway, disrupting traffic and vandalising property as tensions escalated.
IPOA and police have appealed for calm and urged members of the public who witnessed the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.
The case has reignited national debates about police conduct and use of force, with civil society groups calling for a transparent and speedy investigation to uphold public confidence in law enforcement and deliver justice for Matheri’s family.
