NAIROBI: Kenya is no stranger to police brutality. Despite a string of law changes and post-independence politicians, policing seems to be one force that remains the same. The country has a rich history of classic human violations, unlawful killings, and police beatings. A similar incident that occurred last week hit a little too close to home as Bunty Shah, young heir of the vast Bobmill empire was reportedly shot dead in his own home, by policemen.
Shah's body was cremated at the Hindu Shamshan Bhumi crematorium in Kariorkor, Nairobi County, after he was killed by suspected officers. He was shot at his family's home on the Junction of Pepnio and General Mathenge roads in Westlands, and later pronounced dead on arrival at MP Shah hospital. The crematorium was full of relatives and staff members of the mattress giant. As many as 100 vehicles were reported parked in the vast compound.
The body arrived amid tight security similar to a Presidential escort complete with motorcycle leading the vehicle carrying the body. Security was also enhanced at the venue with police officers strategically placed within precincts. The press was strictly restricted from taking any pictures of the cremation process and family of the victim declined to speak to journalists. Former Bidco Africa boss, Vimal Shah said, “This is a solemn moment where the family is still in mourning and I do not think they can talk to the media. Let them be given space to pray and mourn in peace.”
Bunty was shot in cold blood by alleged police officers. Witnesses said they heard a loud bang before an unknown number of hooded people stormed Shah's compound in three vehicles after damaging the main gate. Bunty's uncle Kiru Shah said the 32 year old woke up to find out the cause of the commotion and as shot in the chest at close range through his bedroom window. Several reports suggest police involvement in the killing. While the police earlier denied any role, it eventually issued a statement regretting the killing in what they now acknowledge was a botched operation.
Police spokesman George Kinoti said, “We regret the unfortunate death and wish to assure the public that a thorough inquiry into the circumstances of the shooting has been instituted.” He said as per information obtained by the police, some unidentified individuals were plotting to stage multiple attacks in Nairobi using weapons that were kept in unoccupied house along Peponi Road, Nairobi. “Having evaluated the information, a quick check confirmed that there was indeed such a building along that physical address that was adjacent to other properties. In view of the real and imminent danger to public security, a further and thorough check at that unoccupied property became necessary and had to be done immediately.”
“Unfortunately, during the operation, officers involved came under fire from a balcony of a building cross by. The unidentified person continued firing even after being cautioned, forcing the officers to respond. In the ensuing exchange of fire, the individual, who has been identified as Bunty Shah, was fatally injured,” Kinoti said. He added that while police always endeavour to verify information obtained from the public before responding, in this particular event, and in the view of the magnitude of the threat, and the fact that the building was unoccupied, there was no room for further delay.
However, the claimed “unoccupied room” they were hiding acted as a store and servant quarter for the family house, and it is within the compound of the main house. Bunty, was shot while standing at his bedroom window, where he shot twice to the air to scare officers who broke into the compound. Kiru Shah said the victim was at home with his wife, his six-month old boy, his mother and grandmother. Police said he is a licensed gun holder. Without knowledge of who the invaders were, he stood at window of the first floor of his bedroom and fired twice to the air. Kiru said, “He had heard the commotion and noise in the compound and so he woke up and stood at the window and shot twice in the air perhaps to scare the intruders.”
The shooting ended the operation as the officers jumped back to their cars and sped off.
