As investigations into the murder of Kabete MP George Muchai last weekend continue and the mystery surrounding his shooting unravel, the Standard’s Nairobian publication has come out with a series of reasons as to why MP George Muchai may have been killed. The following special feature was first published in the Nairobian. Is this why MPGeorge Muchai was murdered in cold blood?
“Kabete MP George Muchai had tried to reinforce his personal security before his driver, two body guards and himself were shot dead by a lone marksman suspected to have been either a skilled mercenary, hired assassin or police officer.
Muchai had become increasingly jittery about his safety and was in the process of acquiring the services of a chase car, complete with three close protection officers (CPOs) as part of his security detail.
Jane Mugo, head of Trimo Security and Private Investigators, explains that the tragedy of Muchai was that “he had no idea where the potential threat lay. What he was sure about was that real enemies were likely to take advantage of his many problems to cause him harm.” MP George Muchai had met Mugo twice in 2012 and December 2014 over security concerns.
Their last meeting before the killers – who are still out there – accomplished their mission, drew a portrait of a desperate man who was not taking chances anymore. The MP was ready to meet the extra cost for his personal security. He told Mugo that a business complex he was putting up in Kamulu was a source of envy.
The construction was being done by a Chinese firm. Some people were not happy over this achievement, he said. They feared Muchai’s entry would offer ‘serious competition.’ On January 16, 2015, the legislator sought Jane Mugo’s help.
He wanted security lapses around him sealed to ward off potential threats, which he linked to his political power and wealth. The duo briefly met at a hotel in Westlands where MP George Muchai agreed to hire the chase car and trained CPOs. But the plan of scaling up Muchai’s security detail was to remain a guarded secret even to his bodyguards and driver.
Mugo purchased three chase cars in anticipation of signing the contract with MP George Muchai, who had indicated he would do so upon returning from a trip in Mombasa. “I am disturbed that he met his death before I could offer this service,” she says.
The camouflaged CPOs were to provide advance surveillance, sniff out any lurking danger and keep vigil around the MP. He had been advised that his enemies would not necessarily use guns, and that explosives planted in his car, food or drink laced with poison could still cause lethal harm.
Police are pursuing several theories to catch the killers. One account offered by a police officer in the Muchai murder investigation was that the brutal killing could have been centred on a piece of land in Ruai where Muchai had an interest.”