Isiolo Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Christopher Siele has refuted claims that the shooting of Burat Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Nicholas Lorot was an assassination attempt.
Speaking to the media, Siele urged the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to establish the motive behind the attack.
How The Attack Unfolded
Lorot was shot and injured on Wednesday night at approximately 7:50 PM near Northern Galaxy Hotel in Isiolo town.
According to reports, he had stepped out of a meeting with Odonyiro MCA and County Assembly Deputy Speaker David Lemantile, along with two youths, to receive a phone call.
As he sat inside his vehicle parked outside the hotel, an assailant dressed in a helmet and a reflective jacket approached and fired two shots before fleeing the scene.
Despite sustaining gunshot wounds to his shoulder and hand, Lorot managed to drive himself to the Isiolo Police Station to report the incident.
Officers at the station then rushed him to New Life Care Hospital in Meru for emergency medical treatment.
Medical sources confirm that he remains in stable condition, though two bullets are still lodged in his body. Doctors are expected to remove them in the course of the day.
Ongoing Investigation
Security agencies have launched a manhunt for the gunman, with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) leading the probe.
Officers have processed the crime scene and are set to review CCTV footage from the hotel, which could provide crucial leads in identifying the suspect.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue. DCC Siele warned against premature conclusions regarding the attack, emphasizing that all possible motives will be considered.
Possible Motive?
While authorities maintain that the motive is yet to be established, speculation is rife regarding Lorot’s vocal activism against corruption and land grabbing in Isiolo County.
He has been an outspoken advocate for transparency in public finances, recently calling for a forensic audit of the county’s payroll following a leak exposing alleged irregularities.
Furthermore, Lorot had previously reported receiving a threatening message from a senior county official.
Whether this is connected to the shooting remains unclear, but investigators are expected to explore all possible angles, including political and personal disputes.
Community Reaction
The attack on Lorot has sparked concern among residents, with many questioning the level of insecurity in Isiolo.
Supporters have called for a swift and thorough investigation to bring the perpetrator to justice.
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As the investigation unfolds, Isiolo remains on edge, with the public eager for answers about who wanted “Daddy”—as Lorot is popularly known—dead, and why.
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