There was drama in Kingongo slums, Eldoret, on Sunday as police officers, on a mission to arrest a notorious chang’aa brewer, were ambushed by a group of about 40 youths. The officers had been on patrol along the Sosianil River bank when they found themselves surrounded and pelted with stones and crude weapons.
The incident occurred after the police had arrested two suspects involved in the illegal brewing of chang’aa, and recovered brewing equipment. The youths, allegedly incited by the main brewer, attempted to free the suspects, leading to a confrontation that saw the officers struggle to control the mob. Despite shooting into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd, the situation escalated, forcing the police to retreat.
During the altercation, two officers sustained injuries to their lower legs from the stones and were treated at Huruma Sub-County Hospital. Fortunately, they were discharged in stable condition. The suspects managed to escape amidst the chaos.
Authorities managed to seize 60 liters of chang’aa, destroy approximately 500 liters of Kangara, and recover brewing equipment. However, the primary brewer who incited the youths remains at large, with police intensifying efforts to apprehend him.
The incident highlights the growing problem of mob justice and resistance to law enforcement, with police warning against such actions. This comes at a time when mob lynching incidents have been on the rise in various parts of the country, leading to fatal consequences for both suspects and law enforcement officers.
The police have urged the public to refrain from taking justice into their own hands and to report any criminal activities to the authorities for proper legal processing.
In a separate case, the body of Constable Geoffrey Kipapi, who had been stationed at the Magada Patrol Base in Vihiga County, was discovered in his home under mysterious circumstances. Kipapi had been on duty the previous night, and his family found him dead in bed with blood coming from his mouth and nose. Police have launched an investigation into the death.
