Police in Joska, Machakos County, are investigating an incident where a retired senior police officer shot and killed a man outside a supermarket in the area.

Preliminary reports indicate that a confrontation ensued between the former police officer and the deceased, who has since been identified as Joseph Chege, outside the supermarket along Kangundo Road.

In the midst of the confrontation on Monday, January 2, the retired Chief Inspector — a licensed gun holder — drew his pistol and shot Chege in the waist at close range.

The 24-year-old was rushed to hospital but unfortunately succumbed to the injuries shortly after.

Police officers who swung into action immediately after the incident was reported trailed the suspect to his house in the area. In his house, the officers recovered a Ceska pistol loaded with 11 bullets and believed to be the murder weapon.

He is currently been held in police custody even as investigations continue.

The body of the deceased was taken to a local mortuary pending an autopsy.

Police have so far recorded statements of pontential witnesses to the incident, and the suspected murder weapon sent for ballistic tests.