Gang of 100 strikes, injures scores in Kitengela retaliatory attack

Administration Police officers arrest a man after the attack. [PHOTOS: PETERSON GITHAIGA/STANDARD

By PETERSON GITHAIGA

Kajiado, Kenya: As the country continues to reel under the upsurge of crime, there was a trail of blood and tears in Kitengela, Kajiado County, on Monday. A gang of about 100 men armed with machetes, clubs and other crude weapons left scores of people injured during a retaliatory attack.

The gang attacked members of the public indiscriminately in an orgy of violence that lasted hours. 

Shocked residents narrated how they witnessed the daylight  attack, and how they feared for their lives.

Mrs Monicah Mweni was going about her business of selling fruits when the gang struck. “I saw more than a hundred men armed to the teeth and shouting war songs. When they arrived near our house, we ran for safety and left them destroying cars and houses,” said Mweni.  Another local, John Macharia said they suspected the gang was on a revenge mission after members of the gang were attacked on Sunday night, prompting to death of two.

A contingent of Administration Police officers and their regular counterparts from a nearby Kitengela Police Station gave chase and arrested two culprits who were hiding in an iron sheet rental house within the town. Police fired for more than four hours as they pursued the gang that torched a vehicle.

Two killed

Area OCPD Edward Wafula Masibo told The Standard that his officers were still pursuing the attackers and will ensure they bring them to book. “This is an organised gang that is out to breach peace in our county but we will not give them a chance. I have ordered the security agents to ensure that we nab them,” said Wafula.

He added that at least two people were killed on Sunday night while seven people have been critically injured and admitted to hospital following the retaliatory attack.

“I am sending a stern warning to these criminal groups that they will face the full wrath of law if they continue with these heinous activities,”  said the police boss.

“The two suspects we have in custody will help us with investigations to bring other culprits to book.”

Area Member of County Assembly Daniel Kanchori called for urgent need for police to ensure they diligently work on tip offs from members of the public to curb such bloody incidences.

He said it was high time police officers worked closely with members of the public, who might have crucial security information, to enhance security.