Two people killed, one injured in clash with KFS officers in Kakamega

Two people have been shot dead, while a third remains hospitalised with serious gunshot wounds, following a clash between residents of Mukulusu village and officers from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in Shinyalu, Kakamega County.

The trouble reportedly began after a disagreement over the route a lorry carrying building sand should take when leaving a sand depot.

“Walikuwa askari watatu na piki piki. Ikaanza kizaazaa maana watu wa reserve ama raia waliuliza, mbona mchanga iko kwa reserve na tractor iko kwa reserve, lakini maafisa wa KFS wakahijack hio tractor,” said a resident, Boniface Khisa.

Another resident, Joan Khasiala, added; “Tulikuwa tunaskia tu teargas, teargas, so tukasema sisi hatuwezi toka nje. Ndiyo saa kidogo kijana mwingine akakuja kutuambia, nyinyi mmekaa kwa nyumba, Godi huku amekufa. Tulienda tukapata yeye ni maiti pamoja na shEmeji mwingine wangu anaitwa Lisiekeli, hananga maneno.”

The clash escalated to the point where a motorcycle used by the KFS officers was set ablaze.

One other person sustained serious gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at the Kakamega County Referral Hospital.

Shinyalu sub-county police commander Daniel Mukumbu, while confirming the incident, said the officers acted in self-defense after being attacked by locals.

“Na tunafuatia wale watu walikuwa wako na makosa. Kama ni officers wa KFS watastakiwa kama ndiyo walikuwa na makosa. Kama ni wananchi pia walikuwa na makosa, vilevile sheria itachukua mkondo yake,” said Mukumbu.

Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana criticised the conduct of the officers, accusing them of repeatedly harassing residents.

“Walikula kiapo kuchunga raia, kuchunga wananchi pamoja na mali yao. Hawakukula kiapo kuumiza ama kuua raia. Hawa askari wa msitu wamekuwa wakivamia wananchi wa sehemu hizi mara kwa mara,” stated Fred.

The unrest in Shinyalu comes as the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority received approval to continue detaining Administration Police Constable Peter Wamiti Mwangi for a further 14 days.

Mwangi is accused of fatally shooting George Gathu, a Karatina businessman, on Sunday night, as investigations continue.

“This court notes the public outcry on the issue and finds that the security of the suspect is of concern. Whereas the suspect may be admitted to bail or bond, I do not find that to be appropriate at this stage for the above reasons, that are the interference of witnesses and or the investigation and security of the suspect,” stated Nyeri Law Courts senior resident magistrate Mary Gituma.

The officer is expected to appear in court on February 3, as human rights defenders call for a swift and thorough investigation to ensure justice for the family of the deceased.