Police in Kilifi County have arrested two Turkish nationals following a shocking gun-related road rage incident that left Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi Jiir and his driver assaulted, triggering concern over the conduct of foreign visitors in Kenya.
Officers took the two suspects into custody on Monday evening after one of them allegedly pulled out a firearm, punched Governor Jiir, and slapped his driver during a heated confrontation along the busy Kilifi–Mombasa road.
How the incident unfolded
The dramatic episode played out in Kanamai, Kilifi South, as a convoy of ODM leaders travelled from Vipingo to Moi International Airport in Mombasa after attending a party Central Committee meeting. According to police, a vehicle driven by one of the Turkish nationals aggressively forced its way into the convoy before crashing into the governor’s car from behind.
When the governor’s driver stepped out to assess the damage and ask what had happened, one of the men allegedly drew a gun and slapped him in a fit of rage. Moments later, Governor Jirr also exited his vehicle, only for the armed suspect to allegedly punch him, police said.
Several ODM leaders, including a senior Member of Parliament and a fellow governor who were travelling in the convoy, witnessed the confrontation. The standoff quickly drew a crowd and played out in public view for several tense minutes.
Police confirm arrests and ongoing investigations
Governor Jiir later reported the incident to the police. On Wednesday morning, Deputy Inspector of Police Eliud Lagat confirmed that the county boss had formally lodged a complaint and that Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno is now overseeing the case.
Nuno confirmed that police are holding both suspects, aged 60 and 52, as detectives continue to piece together what happened. He said authorities will take appropriate action once they complete their investigations.
“Visitors and foreign nationals can not be allowed to abuse the hospitality of our people. They should respect the law of the land, and any act to the contrary will face the full force of the law, which shall be applied, including but not limited to deportation,” Nuno said.
Gun-wielding suspect linked to past violent cases
Police revealed that the 60-year-old suspect who allegedly drew the gun has a troubling criminal history. Officers arrested and charged him with attempted murder in 2019 after he reportedly shot a villager near Mtwapa. The victim was among youths returning from a football tournament who allegedly blocked the suspect’s vehicle as he drove to his hotel.
The same man also faces a pending assault case linked to a land dispute in the same area.
“One of the suspects was charged in court in 2019 over attempted murder,” Nuno said, adding that the man is registered as a refugee in Kenya.
Investigators further disclosed that authorities issued the suspect with the firearm in 2011, raising serious questions about how he retained the weapon despite his past cases.
“We have made an application to the Firearm Licensing Board to have his gun licence revoked,” Nuno added.
The post Armed Foreigner Punches Wajir Governor in Dramatic Road Rage Incident appeared first on Nairobi Wire.
By
By
