This archive report was first published on 6 July 2020.
On Saturday, July 4, 2020, a convoy of Kenya Prisons Service officers, who were headed to Kisii for the burial of one of their colleagues, Wilfred Onywoki, was stopped by a team led by Gucha Sub-County Commander Nicholas Ngomo in Ogembo, Gucha Sub-County, Kisii County.
The officers were questioned about their compliance with Covid-19 regulations, including the lack of face-masks, lack of requisite travel approvals, and failure to observe social distance.
According to a report filed at Ogembo Police Station, the prison officers responded by telling the Administration Police (AP) officers that they were also officers and would not adhere to orders.
As the situation escalated, an argument ensued between the two groups, and the situation eventually degenerated into fistfights.
The prison officers, who outnumbered the AP officers, soon overpowered them and sent some of the police officers scampering for safety.
Ngomo was forced to withdraw his team to prevent further chaos as the incensed prison officers vowed to attend their colleague's funeral service.
