Issack Jarso shooting: Interior ministry confirms ongoing KWS probe
An altercation broke out between the group and the rangers, escalating into a physical struggle that ended in Jarso being fatally shot.
The government has launched a probe into the fatal shooting of Issack Abdulla Jarso, who was killed during a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) operation to remove herders from Tsavo East National Park late last year.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, while appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and being handled by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) under file number 4/2024.
The incident occurred on December 29, 2024, when KWS rangers reportedly confronted Jarso, his family, and friends at his manyatta inside the park.
An altercation broke out between the group and the rangers, escalating into a physical struggle that ended in Jarso being fatally shot.
"During the operation, the rangers encountered Issack Abdulla Jarso, his family, and friends at his manyatta. An altercation ensued, escalating into a physical confrontation between him, his friends, and the rangers. This confrontation resulted in the fatal shooting of Issack Abdulla Jarso," Murkomen said.
Following the incident, 23 KWS officers who were present during the operation were questioned, and all firearms used at the scene were taken to Nairobi for ballistic analysis.
The outcome of the testing is still awaited.
The body was taken to Malindi Sub-County Hospital mortuary, and a postmortem confirmed Jarso died of a gunshot wound to the upper right thigh.
The matter was first reported at Garsen Police Station at 10:45 a.m. by the area sub-chief. Responding officers recovered four spent cartridges at the scene.
Investigators have since forwarded the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who has requested more information, including the ballistic report, before issuing further guidance.
"Once the investigation is concluded, appropriate legal action will be taken against the KWS officer(s) found culpable," Murkomen assured.
The Interior Ministry has acknowledged the need for preventive measures to avoid such tragic encounters in the future.
Among the steps being taken are community sensitisation forums, enhanced patrols, and improved coordination between security and local authorities.
Murkomen said the government is strengthening community policing efforts through the Nyumba Kumi initiative and fostering collaboration across agencies to prevent conflict between law enforcement and civilians.