This archive report was first published on 25 June 2020.
On June 25, 2020, Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai ordered the immediate arrest and suspension of a police officer involved in a shooting incident in Lesos, Nandi County.
The incident occurred after a bodaboda rider carrying two pillion passengers was allegedly arrested for not wearing a face mask, sparking a violent reaction from other riders.
According to IG Mutyambai, the arrested riders attacked the arresting officer and his colleagues, attempting to snatch a rifle while the arrested person was being escorted to Lesos Police Station.
Lazarus Kirop, a 40-year-old man, was shot and killed during the fracas, and the crowd went on to cause further destruction at the police station, setting fire to the house of a senior officer and killing two more people.
"The National Police Service of Kenya reiterates its commitment to its highest ideal of service for all, 'Utumishi Kwa Wote' and holds the position that no officer is allowed to take the law into their own hands," said National Police Service Director of Communications Charles Wahong'o in a statement.
The service has informed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) of the incident and has committed to taking stern disciplinary action against any officer found culpable.
