A police officer was killed by rowdy youths and had his firearm stolen during an operation to seize suspected illicit liquor during the ongoing countrywide crackdown.
The police officer was stoned to death by villagers in Rarieda Sub-County, Siaya during the operation on Wednesday March 14, 2024.
According to a police report, the deceased was in the company of another officer as they raided a homestead based on a tip-off.
“The officers were acting on a tip off,” read part of the report.
In addition, the officers were able to confiscate illicit brews, including 21 sachets of Simba Waragi illicit liquor and 4 packets of super match cigarettes for export.
Upon the seizure of the suspect, he raised an alarm attracting villagers who responded and raided the scene.
Police officers attacked
Their actions provoked the villagers, who attacked them with stones and crude weapons.
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Despite the slain officer firing five warning shots to scare away the attackers, Kariuki couldn’t deter the attackers, and he lost his life.
“The officer succumbed to injuries as the other officer fled to safety but with injuries on his shoulder,” the report added.
During the chaos, Kariuki’s Ceska pistol, loaded with an unknown number of rounds, was snatched.
The incident prompted a police response to recover the weapon and apprehend the perpetrators.
Siaya County Police Commander Cleti Kimaiyo while confirming the incident said that one suspect was arrested and is assisting police with investigations.
“The search for the missing firearm and more suspects is ongoing,” said Kimaiyo.
The body of the deceased officer was taken to Lwak Mission Hospital Mortuary for postmortem examination.
Illicit brew Crackdown
This incident adds to the ongoing crackdown on illicit substances in Siaya county and the country at large as the government continues in its fight against alchohol.
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Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on March 6, 2024, announced new government action aimed at completely eliminating illicit drugs and substance abuse in the country.
According to the CS, the president identified key areas that required radical operational reforms adding that the matter had become an issue affecting national security and development.
Kindiki announced that the government had made a decision to revoke all licenses and certifications permit for second generation alcohol and alcoholic beverage distillers and manufacturers across the country.
Additionally, he indicated that all licenses and certifications issued by the Kenya revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) would be vetted afresh.
“All existing valid licenses will be vetted afresh within 21 days of this directive with premises approved to resume operations only upon receipt of a fresh approval,” he said.
