Chaos in Makutano after Police cause accident
It was chaotic in Makutano township West Pokot County after hungry residents engaged the police officers in a battle over the death of two women who died in an accident.
It is alleged that the lorry which was ferrying onions from Ortum town to Chwele market was intercepted by police at a road block along Lodwar Kitale highway and the police officer drove the lorry toward Makutano police post.
According to the driver Vincent Masai the police officers ordered him to alight from the lorry.
“On arrival at the police post, the police tried negotiating a sharp corner but lost control and the lorry landed on the side of the road killing two passengers on spot and leaving others seriously injured,” he said.
Masai said traders who had purchased the onions from the town decided to aboard the lorry together with their goods since there were no passenger vehicles.
He said the police officers demanded Ksh. 1000 bribe from each of the passenger but he still insisted he will drive them towards the police station.
Immediately after the accident hungry residents bombed the scene and police officers were unable to control them forcing them to use tear gas to disperse the rowdy residents.
The residents decided to throw stones at the police officers causing most of the business to be closed.
The residents said they don’t have faith in police and asked the government to ensure that police reforms are implemented.
“Why did he decide to drive the heavy load lorry risking lives of Kenyans? Is he licensed to drive,” asked one of the traders.
The leaders from West Pokot County were also stoned by the hungry residents when they went to Makutano town to calm them.
The leaders, West Pokot county commissioner Wilson Wanyanga, Deputy governor Titus Lotee, county commander Mathews Kuto, and Administration Police commandant Kimue Kingaa arrived in town to cool the residents.
They decided to visit the town since business had come to a standstill.
The leaders arrived and after some minutes, Wanyanga and Kuto tried to talk to the residents but the rowdy residents continued shouting at the leaders.
Before the deputy completed addressing the residents, the crowd began throwing stones at the leaders.
This forced the police officers to shoot in the air to disperse the residents who were targeting to throw stones at the leaders.
The leaders were forced to escape from the scene for their safety.
One of the freelance journalists Hamisi Kariuki, was seriously injured in the conflict.
Speaking to press in his office in Kapenguria, Lotee condemned the incident pointing out that the police officer should not have taken the driver’s seat.
Lotee asked the government to ensure justice prevails to the affected families and the police officer should face full arm of the law.