Uproar as pupil shot by police during swoop on illicit brews

A Standard Eight pupil was allegedly shot in the leg during the police crackdown on illicit brews in Shinyalu, Kakamega County on Tuesday.

The pupil was on his way to school when he was caught in a fight between the police and residents of Lukose and Shihuli villages.

The injured pupil was taken to Kakamega County Referral Hospital.

Shing'odo Assistant Chief Mildred Gwekinza was also seriously injured during the scuffle.

Residents initially resisted the police operation but were overpowered.

A resident, Peter Shitungu, said the police officers who were ransacking their homes started destroying property after failing to find illicit brews in some homes.

"We are angry at the officers because they shuttered our windows, destroyed commodities in the house, and beat up innocent people after failing to find illicit brews," said Shitungu.

Shinyalu sub-county police commander Daniel Mukumbu said police officers impounded 40,000 litres of kangara and uprooted bhang from a suspect's farm.

"The angry residents blocked officers from accessing the scene of the crime and started pelting stones at us, causing damage and even injuring an assistant chief," said Mr Mukungu.

According to Kakamega East Deputy County Commissioner Emmah Kibara, a combined team of police officers and chiefs raided the villages that are notorious for distilling and sale of chang'aa.

The DCC said two suspects were arrested during the operation and will be charged in court.

She further noted that the villages were also known for illegal electricity and water connections.

"We are going to wipe out the illicit brew business in Shinyalu. The renowned distillers and distributors of the same to other parts of the country will be blocked from accessing government services," said Kibara.

She said no incident of the pupil being shot has been reported.

"If there's any case of someone being shot, once we receive it, we will investigate and action be taken," she noted.

South Isukha MCA Charles Lwanga condemned the operation and called for relevant authorities to intervene and initiate an investigation into the damage caused.

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