Police Officers Arrested, Butcheries Shut Down Countywide After Protests

Two police officers have been arrested and other transferred and an incident where four men were shot and injured in Barwesa, Baringo County on Sunday, February 9, 2025. 

The four were part of a group questioning suspected livestock thieves about their involvement in rising stock theft in the area.

The victims, who sustained gunshot wounds, are receiving treatment at Baringo County Referral Hospital.

“I was shot in the shoulder, and my bones are broken and visible. I don’t know how I will survive because people depend on me,” said Kimwei Benedict, one of the victims.

Residents staged protests along the Kabarnet-Barwesa Road, burning tyres and forcing businesses to close in response to the shooting.

They reported that one victim suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, another lost fingers, and a third sustained head injury.

Protesters questioned why police shot the men without justification.

“While we were interrogating the thieves, officers arrived, protected them, and then opened fire on us,” said Amon Kiplagata, a resident.

Also Read: Police Nationwide Recruitment Under Investigations

Residents Accuses Police of Working with Criminals

They accused police of colluding with criminals by releasing arrested livestock thieves.

Additionally, they claimed that one of the officers involved was drunk.

“I have never seen a drunk officer holding a gun. One of them struggled to fire into the air and instead sprayed bullets into the crowd,” said Sylvan Kandagor, another resident.

Also Read: Police Address Al Shabab Terror Attack in Nairobi Reports

Officers Arrested & Others Transferred

Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu confirmed that investigations are underway.

Kiragu said authorities have arrested two police officers and transferred more officers involved in the incident.

“We have already transferred the officers in question due to residents’ complaints. They are now at the sub-county headquarters as further investigations proceed,” Kiragu said.

Baringo County Commissioner Sangolo Kutwa announced the closure of all butcheries for a week to allow vetting for compliance with health and safety standards.

“We have shut down all butcheries for a week to verify that they sell inspected, legal meat that meets health standards. This will help prevent similar issues in the future,” Kutwa said.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates.