Tension as man is killed by gunmen in Mt Elgon
A police officer shot and killed a colleague during a physical confrontation at Gathambi Coffee Factory in Kirinyaga County on November 1, 2020.
What you need to know:
- Area MCA, Franklin Simotwo, has threatened to lead residents in protests if police fail to apprehend the perpetrators within 48 hours.
Police in Bungoma County have launched a manhunt for gunmen who shot dead a man under unclear circumstances.
The incident, which happened on Tuesday night, has caused tension and fear among area residents.
The man died on the spot after being shot several times in the chest, stomach and leg outside his house at Chepyuk Market.
Area MP Fred Kapondi has called for calm as police continue searching for the suspects.
He dispelled rumours that the attack could be an indication of a resurgence of the outlawed Sabaot Land Defense Force.
However, fear has gripped Kipsgon residents following the incident.
"We had dogs barking before we had gun shots. No one dared to venture out and investigate what was happening," said one area resident, who added that the man was killed about two hundred meters from a police post and GSU camp.
Police blamed
Chepyuk ward MCA, Franklin Simotwo, threatened to lead residents in protests if police fail to apprehend the perpetrators within 48 hours.
Simotwo term the murder as unfortunate and blamed police officers for their slow response.
"I'm calling upon the County Commissioner to intervene and have all the police officers who have overstayed here to be transferred and deploy others who are ready to serve wananchi," he said.
He said that insecurity in the area has caused fear among traders in the area.
A source who sought anonymity however told the Nation that the man had been killed by another man during a fight over a woman.
Mt Elgon has in the past been rocked by cases of insecurity.
Meanwhile, Bungoma County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti has called for calm as police investigate the incident.
