Nominated senator Paul Njoroge yesterday shot in the air to disperse workers who had come to shut down a Shell fuel station he operates on Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
Among those caught up in the fracas was Vivo Energy CEO Polycarp Igathe, who was at the scene to enforce the closure.
The bullet came dangerously close to hitting Mr. Igathe… a few more inches and this would be a whole different report.
According to reports, Vivo Energy had hired men to confiscate equipment after the senator failed to honor certain terms of contract.
The men arrived in the afternoon and demolished part of the station entrance. They then carted away some fuel pumps before the senator made his entrance. Reportedly, he had obtained a court order from Naivasha law courts stopping the exercise.
Principal magistrate Esther Kimilu restrained the fuel company from interfering, taking over or terminating the contract until the case is heard and determined.
Despite the senator presenting them with the court order, workers continued with the demolition, forcing the senator to fire his pistol.
The legislator blamed business rivalry for the incident. He stated that he has complied with all regulations, and that there’s interest by a rival to take over his premises.
“I paid Sh2.5 million to Vivo and I have insurance of Sh6 million. The fuel company decided to ignore a court order,” he is quoted by the Star.
Mr. Igathe denied receiving any court order, and stated that they were shutting down the station due to poor management. He told reporters that the station had not had fuel for several days, adversely affecting customers.
“I had come to enforce the closure notice only for the Senator to open fire. I have recorded a statement with police on a threat to my life,” he said.
Watch just how close the senator came to shooting Mr. Igathe.
Nominated Sen Paul Njoroge in gun drama with Vivo Energy CEO Polycarp Igathe over ownership of fuel station in Naivasha on @ntvkenya @ 9pm pic.twitter.com/0u16k8eSIW
— Muraya Kariuki (@murayakariuki) February 7, 2017
There were reports on Tuesday night that the senator had been arrested.
