Manhunt launched for suspects in Isiolo shooting and motorcycle theft

Police in Garbatulla, Isiolo County are investigating Monday night's robbery at Kurkuji village in Kinna ward that left a man nursing gunshot wounds.

The victim had just arrived home after closing his business located at a nearby market when six unknown persons, armed with rifles and crude weapons, attacked him and walked away with his new motorbike Reg No KMGJ 705R.

While riding on two numberless motorcycles, the criminals fired at the victim while he was closing the gate to his home, injuring one of his legs.

He was rushed to Kinna Health Centre and later referred to Maua Level Five Hospital where he was hospitalised.

Garbatulla Deputy County Commissioner Stephen Nyakundi said two people suspected to have been involved in the crime had been identified and were being pursued.

"We are following crucial leads and are confident we will bring to book all those involved," Mr Nyakundi told Eastleigh Voice.

The ongoing investigations seek to establish if the attack was just a mere robbery with violence case or could be a case of an illegal deal gone sour.

An investigator privy to the probe revealed that they were also looking into the possibility that the attack could be linked with the narcotics trade.

"Cases of drug deals gone sour have been rife in Kinna with dealers often fighting over the proceeds," the detective said.

The incident comes less than a month after a local businessman lost Sh3 million which security agencies suspect could have been proceeds from drug business.

"The trader is not interested in pursuing the case showing there could be other underlying reasons. How can one keep Sh3 million in their home, for what?" a local police officer who did not want to be named said.

Cases of motorcycle theft and attacks on riders have been rife in the urban wards of Wabera and Bulapesa.

Past intelligence reports showed that stolen motorbikes are mostly taken to parts of neighbouring Tigania East in Meru where they are disassembled and sold in parts at throw-away prices.