Police investigations have commenced following a tumultuous event at Koyonzo Police Station in Kakamega County on Sunday, March 31, 2024, where residents expressing their anger injured police officers and caused property damage.
The residents were protesting the heightened insecurity in the area following the unclear circumstances surrounding the murder of two night watchmen at Koyonzo market. According to police reports, officers came under attack from an enraged crowd while they were transferring the bodies to the Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary.
During the incident, the mob turned violent, breaking into Koyonzo police station and causing extensive damage to the station building. Additionally, they set fire to five motorcycles kept at the station as exhibits. Several officers deployed to manage the situation sustained injuries and were promptly taken to Bliss Medical Facilities Center in Mumias for treatment.
Further damage included the pelting of stones at a Matungu Police station’s Toyota Landcruiser, resulting in damage to its windscreen. Rioters also targeted the rental houses of three officers, setting fire to their belongings. Two motorcycles belonging to officers were also damaged in the chaos.
Cpl Benson Lunani reported the loss of a CZ magazine loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition during the unrest. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported, and calm has been restored to Koyonzo Center.
The tragic incident occurred following the deaths of Humphrey Wesonga (64) and John Nyapola (58), identified as guards from Murabe village in Munami.
In addition to expressing their frustration over the insecurity, the rioters accused the police of collusion with robbers to target business operators in the market.
