Police in Embu County have launched investigations into the mysterious death of former Tharaka Nithi gubernatorial aspirant Gitare Mbiuki.
Police reports indicate that Mbiuki was found dead in his car parked on the roadside at Kanyuambora area, more than 50 Kilometres from his Weru home in Tharaka Nithi.
He is suspected to have shot himself dead on Monday afternoon in unclear circumstances.
Confirming the incident, Mbeere North Police Commander Eric Yego, said the politician's family had confirmed that the deceased was a licenced gun holder.
According to the family, the deceased left his home on Monday at around 3pm. They tried to reach him on phone two hours later but their calls went unanswered.
The family, Yego said, was then forced to make a report at a police station in Tharaka Nithi before embarking on a search for their kin.
The police boss said locals confirmed to have seen the vehicle parked at the scene but they did not suspect anything.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Mbiuki succumbed to a gunshot wound on his head. The bullet entered below the right ear and exited slightly above the left eye.
Police recovered Forjas Taurus pistol with eight rounds of ammunition in the car.
According to the authorities, the gun was found on the deceased's chest, above his left hand. A spent cartridge was also recovered from the scene.
The body of the deceased was moved to Tenri Ena Hospital mortuary pending autopsy.
