Suspected Poachers Family Seeks Justice

The family of 48-year-old William Gichohi Kariuki claims the deceased was killed elsewhere and his body dumped at the scene.

The relatives claim Kariuki has never been involved in poaching activities.

The relatives say the deceased was a businessman at Kiawara and Gatundia trading centres before he was shot dead by police officers.

Geoffrey Macharia Kariuki, a brother to the deceased, called for thorough investigations into the killings.

He said a pathological report indicated that the deceased was killed at close range and hence refuted claims of a fierce shootout between the deceased and security personnel.

Macharia said his brother was a known businessman who resides at Gatundia area in Laikipia County.

Speaking to the press in Nyahururu town on Monday night, Macharia lamented that Solio Ranch has become a death bed for many people on allegations of poaching.

The family wants those behind the killing prosecuted.

The deceased was killed together with Constable George Nderitu Mwangi who was attached to the Central Bank in Nyeri  on January 18th 2014.

According to the KWS rangers, the two were killed following a fierce exchange of fire.

The KWS rangers say a third poacher escaped.

However, their families claim the killings were a well-orchestrated murder and the scene where their bodies were found was “stage-managed”.

Burial plans for the two are underway.

By Angel Mboya