Probe launched after police mistakenly shoots ward rep

Busia, Kenya: The CID department in Busia County has launched investigations into an incident where an MCA was mistakenly shot and injured on the right leg by police officers during an arrest operation of a prison escapee.

In the event that occurred at around 11am in Malanga area of Butula sub-county on Wednesday, it is alleged that police officers from Nambale police station and Siaya prison wardens were pursuing a robbery with violence suspect who escaped from custody on December 29, last year.

The suspect was later cornered in a nearby sugarcane plantation. He was arrested and is being held at the Busia police station awaiting transfer to Siaya.

Speaking to journalists in Busia yetserday, the county CID boss Amos Tebeny said the Marachi East ward MCA Julius Ochou was nursing injuries at the St Mary's Mission Hospital in Mumias and the nine officers involved have since recorded statements at the Busia police post.

Appropriate action

"The officers had been pursuing the suspect for long but succeeded yesterday after receiving information that he was hiding in a sugarcane plantation. They cordoned the plantation and managed to arrest him," Tebeny said.

He added that they have commenced investigation into the matter.

 "We want to know what resulted to the shooting of the MCA. Investigations are in the preliminary stages and once complete, we will take appropriate action," The CID boss stated.

He further appealed to members of the public to continue giving any information on criminal activities.

For the robbery suspect to be arrested, wananchi gave information on his movements.

The MCA was admitted with a fractured leg and is in stable condition.