The Thika businessman was shot dead as he entered his home at Kiganjo Estate. [Photo|Time.com]A businessman Thika based businessman was on Wednesday night shot dead by unknown assailants outside his house in Kiganjo Estate, Thika West Sub-County.The man who was identified as John Kiarie was gunned down at around 9pm under mysterious circumstances just a few metres from his gate.The slain businessman operated two popular hardware shops in Kiganjo and Muthara area.According to an eyewitness account, the gunmen waylaid Kiarie near his home in a Toyota Probox that is said to have been packed nearby since around 7pm."That car had been parked there since 7 o’clock with its hazards on and occupants positioning themselves strategically as though it had broken down. In fact, no one could have suspected anything amiss with the car," said witnesses on Thursday who did want to be named due to the complexity of the matter.It is alleged that Kiarie came driving home from work and stopped a few metres away to answer a phone call."It was at that juncture that the thugs struck. They seemed to struggle to snatch his phone from him for quite some time before they shot him once. They argued about something for about 20 minutes before dragging him aside and shooting him thrice in the stomach," the witness added.The thugs are said to have majestically walked into their car and drove off towards Makongeni area without stealing anything from the victim.Police are said to have reported at the scene of crime about half an hour later despite the area having an AP Post near Kimuchu Primary School and a Police post near Kiganjo Primary School.Police say they are suspecting business rivalry or a deal gone sour as possible reasons."Investigations into the murder have started though will are investigating on the various ground from business rivalry to deal gone sour," said Makongeni OCS Samuel Khisa.

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