Man shoots auctioneer over vehicle repossession
A man was on Wednesday afternoon arrested by police for allegedly shooting an auctioneer who wanted to repossess his vehicle over a Sh1.7 million debt.
The incident happened at Eastleigh market in Eldoret town, when a team from Igare auctioneers attempted to repossess a vehicle belonging businessman, Sammy Gachuhi, who is reportedly indebted to Rafiki Microfinance Bank, Eldoret.
“We have known this guy for quite a while and by virtue of being a client to the Rafiki Bank he borrowed a loan that he later failed to service. That’s when we were called in to reclaim the dues by any means,” said one of the auctioneers on condition of anonymity.
The suspect was spotted at Eastleigh market at around 12.30 pm by the auctioneers who then presented a letter to him.
However, a confrontation ensued resulting in the suspect shooting one of the auctioneers on the left shoulder.
SUSPECT ARRESTED
“When we spotted him we blocked him with our cars and presented him with the repossession letter but he started arguing with us. He later drew his gun and shot one of my colleagues as he tried to escape,” explained the auctioneer.
Police on patrol managed to arrest the suspect and took him to Eldoret Central police station while the victim was rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment.
Eldoret West police boss Samuel Mutunga said the police recovered the weapon and the firearm documents to establish whether they are genuine.
“We recovered the gun and the documents and our officers are investigating whether the gun was acquired through the right procedure,” said Mr Mutunga.
A landlady in Eldoret, who a few months ago threatened her tenants with a pistol over rent arrears is still at large.
