By D, KNA
Following a wave of violence during campaigns in Kasipul constituency in Homa Bay county, an Assistant Chief has been suspended for allegedly abetting violence.
Homa Bay Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said that the Assistant Chief of Nyalenda Sub-location Hemstone Gumbo, has been suspended to pave way for investigations into the death of two youth last week.
The deceased were killed in a political violence at Opondo Village last week.
Koilem confirmed the Assistant Chief was relieved of his duties temporarily to enable investigations into the killings.
“Action has been taken against the Assistant Chief because the two young men were killed in his homestead. We are investigating him to find out the circumstances that led to the killings in his homestead.” said Koilem said.
The two men were killed when they attended a political meeting which the Assistant Chief allegedly held in his homestead.
Residents said the two young men mistakenly thought the political meeting belonged to a parliamentary candidate they were supporting.
“The two young men thought the meeting was convened by a candidate they were supporting. But it turned out the meeting belonged to an opponent whose supporters killed them,” said a resident.
Koilem assured residents of Kasipul constituency that the murder suspects will be brought to book.
The disciplinary action against the Assistant Chief comes in the wake of another incident in which a mob attacked and injured three police officers on Wednesday.
The officers were injured while pursuing the murder suspects of last week’s incident.
Koilem urged residents to shun violence noting that surveillance had been beefed up ahead of the by-elections.