Former Kiptoror ward councillor Barnaba Lagat is fighting for his life at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret Uasin Gishu county after a police officer shot him in the chest leaving his left hand shattered for not wearing a mask.
It is said that Lagat was shot yesterday evening at Kapsigilai trading centre by officers from Kapcherop police station.
Daniel Chebet an eyewitness told a local publication that the officer who shot Lagat was drunk and allegedly used excessive force in enforcing ministry of health protocols on COVID-19.
He called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), to take up the matter so that the victim can get justice.
“I appeal to IPOA to chip in immediately. We want the officer to be dealt with accordingly to deter the occurrence of similar incidents,” Chebet said.
Following the shooting incident, there was high tension in the area and it was feared that locals could retaliate.
Area leaders led by MP Joshua Kutuny condemned the act and called for speedy investigation and apprehension of the culprit behind the shooting.
In a tweet, Kutuny urged the locals to calm down while relevant authorities take necessary actions.
“I want to assure my constituents that justice will prevail, the culprit will be arrested and charged to serve as an example to other people with a similar character,” Kutuny tweeted.
Kutuny’s sentiments were echoed by Julius Tunduria an economist who said police brutality is a threat to human life and also a violation of human rights.
“Police force is now a thing of the past, we are in the era of police service which respects human life and basic human rights,” Tunduria said.
Chepsiro/Kiptoror ward MCA Kipchumba Birir said the government should compel the victim to cater for the victim’s medication bill as well compensating him.
“This act inflicted a lot of pain on our innocent brother, as leaders we want the officer in question to feel the pinch by paying the hospital bill as well compensation,” Birir said.
