The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kenya has ruled out the sniper theory in the fatal shooting of Mary Lillian Waithera, an employee of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) who was killed in Nairobi on February 13.
According to DCI Director Amin Mohamed, ballistics exams conducted on the bullet that was lodged in Waithera’s left lung showed that she was killed by a 9mm pistol.
The DCI boss added that if a sniper had been responsible for the shooting, they would have used a rifle with a longer barrel. On the question of whether a silencer was used, Mohamed said the crowded area and nature of the weapon may have muzzled the sound of the gunshot.
“From my experience, I will say that that was not the work of a sniper. Snipers ordinarily go for rifles with longer barrels for purposes of accuracy, the shorter the barrel the shorter the accuracy. So if a sniper indeed wanted to eliminate her, he would not have used a pistol,” Mr Amin explained in an n an exclusive interview with the Nation.
On the question of whether the killer used a silencer on the gun, Mr Amin said the crowding of the street and the nature of the weapon may have muzzled the sound of the gunshot.
“At the point of the release of the thrust we may have been able to hear, but then you realise that a 9mm bullet will travel at least a distance of one kilometre. Again, considering that the area was the CBD, a crowded place, the possibility of hearing that gunshot would be minimal,” he said.
On February 17, detectives arrested a suspect found with a gun outside Simmers along Muindi Mbingu street. The suspect, Julius Kimani Mwangi, was found to be a licensed firearm holder and was subsequently released. Detectives are now focusing on other leads to establish who killed Waithera, including reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing eyewitnesses.
Waithera’s family and colleagues gave emotional tributes at a requiem mass, describing her as dependable, caring, approachable and a welcoming person. NHIF CEO Peter Kamunyo said that until her demise, Waithera was a dedicated employee and a friend to her colleagues and NHIF clients.
The shooting has caused concern in Nairobi, with some speculating that it may have been politically motivated. The DCI has urged witnesses to come forward and offer information.
