Supkem Chair Under Police Probe Over Shooting Incident

Supkem chairperson Hassan Ole Naado is under police investigation after CCTV footage showed him firing a gun during a confrontation with demonstrators outside the council’s Nairobi offices.

Police at Central Police Station have opened a formal inquiry into the 24 October incident, with Mr Ole Naado already having recorded a statement. Investigators have confirmed that the firearm allegedly used has been seized and sent for forensic analysis. 

According to the Divisional Criminal Investigation Officer, three witnesses have so far provided statements, and more are expected to be called. The confrontation is linked to an ongoing dispute over Supkem’s leadership. National Director-General Lattif Shaban is among those questioned, following a complaint by Mr Ole Naado accusing him of organising the protest. 

A letter from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations cites possible offences such as creating a disturbance and malicious damage to property. Mr Shaban maintains that he did not mobilise or fund the demonstrators. He says he merely condemned the use of live ammunition on young protesters and argues that his mandate from the 2017 election remains valid because no subsequent polls have taken place. 

He adds that the demonstrators’ grievances concerned the absence of elections.

Another council member, Hussein Adan Somo, has also been summoned, indicating that the investigation is broadening.