According to the DCI Igembe, Mr. Abanga, a man was shot and injured by a police officer in a struggle in Mutuati in Igembe.
In a statement released by Mr. Abanga, police received a report of a shooting in Mutuati around 8:00 a.m. When police arrived on the scene, they discovered that a police officer had been involved in the shooting while on his way to arrest a motorcycle suspect.
Abanga said that when the suspect became violent, a scuffle erupted between the two, prompting the officer to shoot at the suspect inadvertently.
“The officer was disarmed and arrested, and the suspect was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. Investigations are being conducted, and if the officer is found guilty, he will face the full force of the law. As our investigations continue, I urge residents to remain calm,” he said.
Abanga implored residents not to be violent toward police officers who have done them no wrong. He commended motorcycle operators for cooperating with police in their investigations into motorcycle theft.
According to an eyewitness, Peter, the cop had approached a boda boda operator and requested to be taken to a specific location.
“The police officer shot the boda-boda driver when he refused to carry him. He fired more shots after an enraged mob attempted to attack him. The police officer’s intentions are contrary to the police officer’s code of conduct, and I urge the government to intervene because the police officers are abusing their position to oppress the residents,” Peter said.
Another eyewitness wondered if residents had a right to freedom. He said that the cops were treating them like fugitives.
“The cop is accustomed to oppressing people, especially when they realize they are making money. They primarily target boda boda drivers. The police officers harass the boda boda operators who have borrowed money to buy their motorcycles,” he said.
“When the motorcycles are towed to the police station, the officers demand a bribe of Sh20,000 from the owners and threaten to sell them if they do not pay,” he said.
He urged Igembe North MP, Hon. Maore, to intervene because the boda boda operators were being victimized by rogue police officers.
