Police in Uasin Gishu have launched investigations into the death of a man and destruction of property of unknown value following a disagreement between two groups.
This is after police officers who had intervened to make an arrest over alleged encroachment into a sugarcane farm encountered rowdy residents.
Quick intervention by leaders both from Western and Uasin Gishu County have helped cool tension along the border of Uasin Gishu and Likuyani areas.
Two Members of parliament David Kiplagat (Soy) and his colleague Mugabe Maino (Likuyani) alongside Kongoni MCA Robert Makhanu helped cool tempers following the incident that occurred on Christmas evening.
They blamed the police officer for discharging his firearm that killed the brother of an MCA.
In retaliation, residents torched a house, a tractor, and a car while a police officer also sustained injuries and has been hospitalized in Eldoret.
were rife that initiates who are currently in seclusion, encroached into a farm where they reportedly picked sugarcane from a farm.
Conflicting reports indicate that trouble started when initiates who are currently in seclusion, encroached into a farm where they reportedly picked sugarcane from a farm..
Infuriated by the action, the owner allegedly went to a police station in Kipsomba to report the matter and he was accompanied by three officers to the seclusion site, sparking off a confrontation with the initiates' caretakers.
Soy sub-county OCPD Henry Zuma told The Standard that there were many versions of allegations but said Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers had taken over the matter to unearth what exactly transpired.
"We cannot say we are sure until we get a full statement of investigations. What we know is that a robbery with violence report was made at a police station in Kipsomba," said Zuma.
The OCPD said three officers went to make an arrest but encountered rowdy residents. In the process, Zuma added, two officers managed to escape while their colleague was caught up in the melee, after which a bullet allegedly got discharged.
Kiplagat (Soy MP) regretted the incident and condoled the family of the deceased and also the owner of the destroyed property and urged residents to remain calm.
"We are here to ensure peace, law, and order are maintained following the flare-up of this fracas. We are also dispelling fears of any tribal clashes because residents have coexisted peacefully over the years," stated Kiplagat.
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