Police in Machakos County have arrested a 68-year-old man for allegedly attempting to shoot his son-in-law inside a police post following a family dispute.
The suspect reportedly discharged a bullet from his Beretta pistol at the Kinanie Police Post on Sunday in what authorities described as an attempted shooting.
According to Athi River South Subcounty Police Commander David Kandie, the 68-year-old man allegedly aimed at his son-in-law, but the bullet struck the wall of the report office instead.
“The suspect attempted to shoot his son-in-law dead, but the bullet hit the report office wall. He was immediately disarmed and detained before being handed over to DCI officers from Athi River Police Station,” Kandie said.
Preliminary investigations indicate the incident stemmed from a family disagreement between the suspect and his son-in-law's family.
Police reports show that the suspect had earlier called Kinanie Police Post, claiming there was a commotion at his home.
Officers were dispatched to his residence in the Kimongo area, where they found his son-in-law and his parents, who had reportedly visited for discussions regarding a child shared with the suspect’s daughter.
“They were allowed to enter the homestead, but before they could settle, an argument broke out between the two families, resulting in a physical confrontation,” a police source told The Star.
Officers intervened and escorted both families to the police post to record statements.
However, while at the report office, tensions flared again when the son-in-law began taking photos. Kandie said this act appeared to anger the suspect, who then drew his firearm and fired a round in his son-in-law's direction.
"An officer present quickly intervened, preventing tragedy,” Kandie said, adding that the bullet hit the wall.
Police recovered the Beretta pistol, which had a magazine loaded with nine live rounds and one spent cartridge.
DCI detectives later collected the firearm and other exhibits before formally arresting the suspect.
The suspect is currently being held at Athi River Police Station as investigations continue.
Kandie confirmed that the firearm had been confiscated and that ballistic tests would be conducted as part of the inquiry.
"His firearm, a Berretta pistol, was recovered from him with a magazine loaded with nine live ammunition and one spent cartridge. DCI officers rushed to the scene and collected the exhibits before making the arrest," Kandie said.
“The incident is under investigation, and appropriate charges will be preferred once the inquiry is complete,"
In a similar event earlier on Tuesday, police in Kisumu arrested a man believed to be part of an armed gang following a shootout near Patel Samaj Temple along Otieno Oyoo Street.
According to police reports, officers on patrol became suspicious after noticing a man carrying a bulky bag near the temple.
When approached, the suspect allegedly pulled out an assault rifle and opened fire on the officers.
The man then fled into the temple compound, where he reportedly robbed a security guard of his mobile phone and other personal items before tying him up with a piece of cloth.
From inside the building, he allegedly continued to fire at police officers, forcing residents and worshippers in the area to seek cover.
Police later subdued the suspect after an exchange of fire, recovering an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of ammunition.
