ISIOLO, Kenya — Protests broke out in Isiolo Town on Tuesday after a prominent businesswoman was shot dead during a suspected robbery near the town’s main bus stage, with residents demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.
The victim, Angelina Kananu, 49, was fatally shot late Monday night after gunmen allegedly attacked her as she was boarding a motorcycle outside her business premises.
A 48-year-old boda boda rider was also injured in the attack and is receiving treatment at Isiolo County Referral Hospital.
Residents Stage Protests
Angry residents marched through Isiolo Town and briefly blocked sections of the Isiolo-Moyale Highway, a key transport corridor linking Kenya and Ethiopia, disrupting traffic and business activities.
The demonstrators called on police to expedite investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Governor Condemns Killing
Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo described the shooting as a targeted attack and expressed condolences to the victim’s family.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic killing of Angelina Kananu, a businesswoman who was fatally shot in a suspected targeted attack in Isiolo Town last night. This is a very unfortunate and heartbreaking incident that has shocked our community,” Guyo said.
He urged security agencies to conduct thorough investigations.
“I strongly urge the security agencies to conduct swift, thorough and impartial investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding this heinous crime and ensure those responsible are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice,” he added.
The governor also appealed to residents to remain peaceful and share any information that could assist investigators.
How the Attack Happened
According to police, the incident was reported at Isiolo Police Station after members of the public alerted authorities to a shooting near Westgate Market.
Officers who responded found Kananu with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen and left leg. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The boda boda rider sustained a gunshot wound to the right buttock. Police said the bullet remained lodged in his body, but he is in stable condition.
Preliminary investigations indicate Kananu had just closed her shop and was boarding a motorcycle when two armed men, reportedly carrying a rifle, approached on foot and opened fire before stealing her purse.
The suspects fled into the nearby Bulapesa area.
Crime scene investigators recovered five spent 7.62×39mm cartridge cases and one live round, which have been retained as exhibits.
The body was moved to Kiirua Mission Hospital Mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
Police have launched a manhunt for the attackers.
Separate Death Under Investigation in Meru
Meanwhile, police in Meru are investigating the death of a man who was found unresponsive at a matatu waiting bay near the former Tuskys stage.
The deceased, identified as Peter Gitari, popularly known as “Muchuka,” was found lying unconscious before officers confirmed he had died.
Police said there were no visible injuries on the body during a preliminary examination.
Investigators recovered two amoxicillin tablets at the scene, and the body was moved to the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death.
Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
