Drama as angry police officer lobs teargas canister inside hotel

Drama unfolded at a hotel in Kericho town on Thursday night after a police officer went berserk and hurled a teargas canister into the premises, causing panic among customers and staff.

According to eyewitnesses, the officer—dressed in civilian clothing and reportedly attached to one of the nearby police stations—arrived at the hotel in the company of a woman. Shortly after entering, he began harassing some of the patrons who were peacefully enjoying their meals and tea.

The disturbance prompted the hotel management, along with several customers, to confront the officer and demand his identification as well as an explanation for his behavior. Instead of de-escalating, the officer became aggressive and attempted to physically engage some staff members. He was quickly subdued by the combined efforts of staff and patrons.

Infuriated, the officer threatened to return with a firearm from his station and shoot those involved. He then stormed out of the hotel and jumped onto a waiting boda boda.

Many believed the officer was bluffing—until he returned shortly afterward, this time armed with a teargas canister. Without warning, he manually lobbed the canister into the hotel, which was still packed with unsuspecting customers.

Panic ensued as the room filled with gas. Believing they were under gunfire, some patrons dived under tables while others frantically rushed toward the exits, nearly causing a stampede.

Those who remained inside struggled to breathe, coughing and sneezing uncontrollably as the gas engulfed the room. Some cursed the officer in frustration and disbelief.

Following the incident, the officer fled the scene on another boda boda, directing the rider to speed off to an unknown location. Meanwhile, victims scrambled for water to relieve the effects of the gas.

As of Friday morning, senior police officers in the county had not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.