Man killed for failing to pay brother's debt

Bungoma, Kenya: A middle-aged man died after he was allegedly beaten by police officers based at Namwacha police post in Kanduyi constituency.

Raphael Makokha, 45, allegedly ran away from police officers sent by his brother to arrest him over Sh20,000 debt.

"This irked the two police officers, who chased and caught up with him in a nearby sugar plantation," said Silas Kundu, an eye witness.

He said the two officers tied Makokha on a post and started beating him, again and again.

Bribe taking

"They only stopped when they realised the accused was dead," said Kundu.

When contacted, Bungoma South OCPD Kirunya Limbitu said they are carrying out investigations on the alleged murder.

"We have heard of the claims but our officers are on the ground to find out what exactly led to the death of Makokha," he said.

Sang'alo West ward rep Protus Muhamed called for the arrest of the officers, saying they had even overstayed in the area.

"We cannot tolerate officers who failed to discharge their duties here. The county commissioner either disciplines the officers, or transfer them to another centre," said Muhamed.

He accused the police of concentrating on collecting bribes from local brewers instead of carrying out duties assigned to them by their seniors. Makokha's body was taken to Bungoma Mortuary.