Some angry locals stormed the Chemase Police Post in Nandi County, Kenya on Thursday, leading to the destruction and burning of both the national and police flags.
Three police officers were injured, and several police items, including radios, computers, and an occurrence book, were damaged.
The violence followed the arrest of Victor Kimtai, a 30-year-old man accused of murdering and beheading a man before throwing the head into a pit latrine.
Kimtai was arrested after allegedly threatening his family, saying he would kill them in the same way. The area’s Member of County Assembly (MCA), Douglas Martin Balala, worked with officers from Kapsingilar Police Post to arrest Kimtai on January 2.
According to the police report, Kimtai admitted to the crime, which took place on New Year’s Day in Chebusiasbarea. He was brought to Chemase Police Post for questioning.
Officers tried to recover the victim’s head from the pit latrine but had to stop because it was too dark and the pit was full of water. The next day, a generator was used to pump out the water, allowing the police to retrieve the head.
As word spread, more than 3,000 residents gathered at the police station, demanding the suspect be handed over. The mob became violent, injuring three officers: Corporal Ezekiel Too, Constable Gilbert Ndirangu, and Constable Isaac Wekesa.
The crowd then set fire to a police vehicle, smashed the station’s windows, and burned both the national and police flags.
“They lowered the police station flag and the national flag and burnt them down,” the police report stated.
The attackers also stole several police items, including a radio, printers, and computers. Thankfully, no civilians were injured. Police have started an investigation to find those responsible for the attack.
Police spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango condemned the actions of the mob and urged the public to let the law take its course. She called for calm and asked for more cooperation between the police and the community to keep everyone safe.
