A violent confrontation unfolded at Misikhu Police Station in Bungoma County after enraged residents stormed the premises, demanding the release of a suspect held in custody.
According to police reports, officers had rescued the individual from a hostile mob before bringing him to the station for protection.
However, this move only intensified the outrage among the locals who soon descended upon the police station in large numbers. The mob demanded that the suspect be released directly to them for vigilante justice.
When officers rightly refused to comply with the unlawful demand, the situation escalated dramatically. The crowd overpowered the police on duty and went on a destructive rampage. They pelted the station with stones, shattering windows and causing significant damage to property, including two police vehicles and a G3 rifle. In the melee, three police officers sustained injuries.
Police raised an alarm, prompting reinforcements from nearby stations. Officers resorted to firing warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd. The swift action led to the arrest of at least 12 individuals involved in the fracas.
Following the incident, authorities strongly condemned the incident, warning residents against taking justice into their own hands.
By Kenyans