Three police officers were seriously injured on Wednesday following a violent confrontation with murder suspects in Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said the officers were pursuing five suspects believed to be involved in the recent killing of two young men during last week’s political violence in the area.
According to Koilem, the suspects were first spotted in Kosele by the officers who were trailing them in connection with the criminal incident.
“When the suspects realized they were being followed, they fled prompting a chase. The officers pursued them and tracked them to the residence of one of the parliamentary aspirants,” said Koilem.
He explained that when the officers attempted to effect the arrests, they suddenly encountered fierce resistance and were ambushed by a large group of youths.
During the confrontation three officers including the Sub-County Director of Criminal Investigations (DCIO) sustained multiple injuries.
“The situation forced the officers to fire in the air to protect themselves and disperse the hostile crowd,” Koilem stated, adding that preliminary investigations suggested the suspects may have links to a parliamentary aspirant in Kasipul.
Amid the chaos, the suspects managed to escape. They allegedly fled with police handcuffs.
Koilem confirmed that a manhunt has been launched to track down the suspects as investigations into the violent incident continue.
“We are pursuing all leads to ensure those responsible are apprehended and justice is delivered to the affected families,” Koilem stated.
The incident comes in the middle of heightened political tension in Kasipul, with a series of violent clashes reported ahead of the November 27 parliamentary by-election.
By Sitna Omar
