Business came to a standstill at Kiminini market in Trans Nzoia County
on Friday when police engaged locals in running battles following
protests in demand of justice for three women allegedly raped by
police reservists.
According to the victims they said the incident happened last week when the police reservists broke into their houses very early in the morning, and stole some commodities in the houses including some cash and other homemade equipment before raping them.
The protesting locals who barricaded the Kitale-Webuye highway with
burning tyres were enraged with a move by the police at Kiminini
police station to release suspects linked to the incident without presenting them before the court.
One of the rape victims who narrated the ordeal said three armed
police reservists broke in to her home at Masaba area at 2 am on
September 4 where they raped her in the presence of her husband and
children.
She said they sought medical treatment in the morning before making an
official compliant at the Kiminini police station where they named
some of the suspects since they knew them.
In separate cases, two women are also reported to have been raped by
the same suspects but efforts to have them held accountable for their
beastly acts have not borne fruits since they are shielded.
A source close to the Kiminini police station indicated that
investigations had narrowed on the three police reservists but the
case was bungled up following interference from some quarters.
Residents called on the Trans Nzoia County commissioner Sam Ojwang to
ensure there is an overhaul of the police within the police station
and further follow up the rape cases to guarantee justice for victims. Police have confirmed investigations have commenced but refused to speak on camera.