Shocking CCTV footage has emerged from a Karatina petrol station in Nyeri County, showing a deadly clash between two police officers and a businessman just moments before he was fatally shot.

The video captures the officers physically confronting the businessman Gathu Matheri at his premises, culminating in one officer firing a close-range shot to the head that claimed his life in an incident that stirred outrage.

Video footage shows that at approximately 11:10 pm, the confrontation escalated, capturing police officers seen assaulting Matheri.

How it unfolded

The recordings released on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, indicate that one officer brandished a firearm and struck him on the thighs during the incident.

To ease the situation, the deceased seemingly walked away, but the police officers followed him.

Upon reaching a white van parked adjacent, the officers are seen cocking their guns as they appear to be exchanging words. 

Seconds later, at approximately 11:10:52 pm, the businessman, who was surrounded by the two officers, collapses from what are reported to be gunshot wounds.

The officers stood at the scene for a minute before walking away and disappearing before people started gathering at the scene.

IPOA takes action

Following the shooting that caused outrage in Karatina Town, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) launched investigations into the matter and announced it had arrested the police officer linked to the incident.

“The authority has dispatched a Rapid Response Team from its Nyeri regional office to secure the scene, collect forensic and ballistic evidence, and also interview witnesses,” IPOA said in a statement on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Transport along the busy Nairobi-Karatina highway was disrupted as residents blocked the road and lit bonfires.

“Local residents barricaded the Nairobi-Karatina highway and paralysed the smooth flow of traffic as well as vandalising property of unknown value,” the statement read in part.

So far, a Karatina police constable was arraigned in court on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and will remain in police custody for 14 days as IPOA conducts further investigations. IPOA cited concerns over the officer’s safety amid public outrage, warning that granting bail could put him at risk.

The police officer is scheduled to appear in court again on February 3, 2026, to enter a plea, as human rights groups demand swift action, citing a worrying rise in police brutality and vowing to pursue justice to the fullest.