This archive report was first published on 25 June 2021.
On June 24, 2021, a bizarre incident unfolded in Obwolo, Kajulu, Kisumu County, when five chiefs were arrested for allegedly harassing residents and the regional police commander at a roadblock.
According to Nyanza Regional Police Commander Karanja Muiruri, the chiefs had been illegally operating a roadblock, using it to extort money from residents who were violating Covid-19 and curfew rules.
“I had been informed that the chiefs were harassing people under the pretext of enforcing curfew rules,” Muiruri said. “I, therefore, decided to personally investigate the allegations by camouflaging as a civilian.”
After the chiefs 'arrested' Muiruri, he called his juniors, who arrived at the scene and arrested the administrators. The five will face disciplinary action from Regional Commissioner Magu Mutindika and Kisumu County Commissioner Josephine Ouko.
The chiefs are accused of conspiring with local residents to harass and solicit bribes from curfew and Covid-19 rules violators. Muiruri also revealed that about 20 of their accomplices, who are civilians, escaped to unknown destinations, but a hunt has been launched for them.
“It’s only police officers who have the powers to erect roadblocks,” Muiruri added.
