Mob lynches Administration Police officer after he shoots student

By Fred Kibor

KENYA: An Administration Police (AP) officer was lynched by an irate mob in Marakwet East District after he allegedly shot and injured a resident.

The officer attached to Kapyego chief’s camp is said to have entered a hotel in the area while armed with a gun and demanded for a cup of tea before shooting the young man inside the eatery.

“We were shocked at the manner in which he ordered the tea because he threatened to shoot anyone on sight,” said Paul Kitum, a witness.

Kitum said before the waiter served him tea, he opened fire without provocation and shot a young man injuring him on the back.

Angered customers sensing that the officer was determined to cause more harm, disarmed and lynched him.

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Kitum said the officer appeared disturbed, adding to claims that he had spent the previous night at a local bar drinking heavily.

The injured man, according to the police, is a Form Three student at a local high school. He was rushed to AIC Mission Hospital in Kapsowar where he is receiving treatment.

Elgeyo/Marakwet County AP commander Sammy Chandago said they have launched investigation into the incident.

Officer drunk

“He went berserk before shooting at patrons inside the hotel,” the AP commander told The Standard.

Mr Chandago said they will also investigate claims that the officer was drunk at the time of the shooting.

While condemning the incident, area MP David Kangogo, however, urged residents to avoid taking the law into their hands. “Let the police carry out investigations,” the MP told residents at the market.

The incident is not the first involving AP officers in the area.