A gun incident in Virungani, Kwale County, has claimed the life of a 27-year-old motorcycle rider, Salim Masha, following a deadly shooting involving a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) ranger and National Police Service (NPS) officer.
The confrontation on January 14, 2026, had initially left the two officers dead. Masha, who was shot in the ribs, was rushed to a hospital with serious injuries but has since succumbed.
Dispute Between NPS and KWS Officers
According to reports, the tragic event began when two NPS officers stopped Masha, who was ferrying charcoal in the Virugani area of Kwale County on January 14.
Amid the ensuing engagement, another motorcycle carrying two KWS rangers arrived at the scene. Upon alighting, a KWS ranger, John Ndichu, approached the two police officers and asked about a goat given out by a rancher in the area for Christmas, but was not delivered to him.
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“Ranger John Ndichu became hostile and opened fire using his rifle. He shot PC Stanley Karithi four (4) times in the chest, killing him instantly. He then shot PC Aftin Farah Ali once in the right ribs, seriously injuring him. The injured officer was rushed to Voi Hospital,” read the report.
The rider, Salim Masha, was also shot in the process.
Moments later, the assailant KWS ranger then took his own life by shooting himself in the chin.
Masha was then rushed to Mariakani Hospital. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to bullet injuries on January 17, 2026, three days after the shooting.
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Investigations and Calls for Accountability
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a full inquiry into the incident.
Authorities are examining the actions of both the KWS ranger and the police officers to determine what led to the fatal shootings and whether proper procedures were followed.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid has condemned the incident and called on the national police service to investigate and justice be served to Masha’s family.
The incident has also been criticized by Kenyans, raising concerns about the police conduct.
Simiyu Barasa on X said, “3 lives for 100 shillings? A person reduces human lives to 30 bob each. What insanity?”
Mfalme, a user on X, also suggested that KWS should be put under military administration and supervision.
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