This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
On the morning of June 11, 2020, a police camp in Naivasha was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack. The incident occurred in the wee hours of the morning, with eight police officers narrowly escaping death.
According to eyewitnesses, the arsonists first locked the officer in charge out of his house before setting a tyre ablaze outside his door. The fire quickly spread to adjoining houses, forcing the officers to scramble for safety.
Quick efforts by the Naivasha sub-county fire department stopped the fire from spreading to the camp's armory. The fire was eventually extinguished after over two hours, with no reported injuries.
Naivasha sub-county commissioner Mathioya Mbogo confirmed the incident, stating that police had launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. He added that no one was injured and that necessary action would be taken if needed.
The incident is believed to be a response to alleged harassment by the officers from the camp, with residents of the area having complained about the treatment they received from the police.
"The target was the house of the Inspector who fortunately wasn't in, but the fire burnt down his house before spreading to the other structures," said a local resident.
