A police officer who shot and injured Trans Nzoia Speaker Joshua Werunga was arrested on Monday morning, Trans-Nzoia county chief Erastus Mbui confirmed. The officer opened fired at a Sunday event that was hosted at the county in Kolongolo village, Kwanza.
Wishing all those injured during yesterday’s unfortunate clash between residents of Kolongolo /Kwanza sub county and Police ,including Trans Nzoia County Speaker Werunga speedy recovery and good health.Get well soon ! pic.twitter.com/Da1pBMfO0F
— Eugene L. Wamalwa (@EugeneLWamalwa) December 17, 2018
Drama ensued after the officer was allegedly attacked by locals who wanted to free a man he had arrested. According to the officer, the residents attempted to disarm him forcing him to open fire to disperse them. 16 officers are said to have been injured in the incident, including GSU officers who had been called in for back up.
Assault Suspect
Dan Juma, the man at the centre of the confrontations, had been cuffed by the police and was being led away to Endebes police station on claims of having assaulted a woman. Mr Juma managed to disappear with the cowd while still in handcuffs and at the time two villagers had been shot and their bodies loaded onto a police vehicle. Villagers stoned the police car damaging it and forcefully carried away one dead body.
Scores were injured by stray bullets, including the county speaker, and were taken to various hospitals for treatment. Police have launched a search for the escaped suspect, Mr Juma. Inspector General of Police Jospeh Boinnet has also asked IPOA to investigate the matter.
