Family of slain Mt Elgon politician Wasama demands justice
Crime and Justice
By
Osinde Obare and Jackline Inyanji
| Aug 11, 2026
The family of former councillor and businessman Nathan Wasama Masai, who was shot dead, is seeking justice.
They want investigators to examine all possible motives behind the killing, including his political ambition.
Wasama, 62, was last Thursday attacked at around 7 PM inside his business premises at Tuikut by unknown gunmen.
It is alleged that three gunmen using a motorcycle shot Wasama at close range as he walked to the house from the bathroom.
According to the widow, Janet Chepkemoi, politics could not be ruled out.
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"My husband had expressed interest in contesting the Mt Elgon parliamentary seat. The news was shocking, and I even collapsed. I am calling on the government to intervene and help us get justice since he has left me with children who majorly depended on him," she notes.
The businessman, who previously served as a councillor, was pronounced dead after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during the attack.
Another family member, James Masai, said when they arrived at the scene they found their kin had been shot on the chest and right hand.
"This is a political assassination. We are demanding to be served with justice," said Masai.
The family questioned why police failed to investigate the early shooting incident targeting Wasama's life.
"He was attacked but escaped death narrowly. My brother reported the incident but there was no action from the police. We want answers on this issue," Masai posed.
Wasama announced weeks ago his interest in contesting the Mt Elgon parliamentary seat.
The deceased was leading a group of elders spearheading a programme for a ritual ceremony to cut two fig trees, one at Toroso and another in Endebess.
The two trees, locally known as Mogoywet, fell abruptly last year, prompting elders to plan their cutting.
The planned ritual, however, faced strong opposition from an influential politician in Mt Elgon.
Former councillors Pius Muyei and Patrick Kisiero asked the government to deploy detectives from the Homicide unit to probe Wasama's killing.
"We don't have confidence in local detectives because of the alleged complicity, and let the government send officers from the Homicide unit to conduct the probe,' said Muyei.
A section of residents linked the killing to politics and called for a thorough investigation.
Bungoma County Police Commander Anderson Njagi confirmed the incident and said detectives had launched investigations to establish the motive behind the killing.
Njagi said police would pursue all available leads and warned against rising criminal activity in the area.
At Tuikuk Market, residents described Wasama as a prominent businessman and community figure whose death had sent shockwaves through the area.
Although police have not linked the shooting to politics, the family’s remarks are expected to increase pressure on investigators to examine every possible angle, including political, business and personal interests.
No arrests have been announced by the time of publication as detectives continued processing the crime scene and recording statements from witnesses.
The killing adds to growing concern over violent attacks in parts of Bungoma County, with local leaders calling on security agencies to move swiftly and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.