Protestors storm police station in Meru, drive away four bulls which ‘distract officers from working’

MERU COUNTY: Angry protestors from Githongo market in Abothuguci West ward in Imenti Central Sub County stormed the Githongo police station and forcibly drove away four bulls reared by the police officers.

The protestors who mainly included traders and boda boda riders were protesting against alleged continued harassment by police.

The demonstrations were sparked off after five police officers confiscated a parked boda boda and arrested a butcher who tried to stop them from taking it.

Business at the usually busy Githongo market came to a temporal standstill as all traders hurriedly closed their business premises in order to join the demos.

The demonstrators first went round the market singing and waving placards before storming the police station.

The demonstrations were led by the area Member of the County Assembly Daniel Kiogora and his Mwangathia ward counterpart Julius Mbijiwe.

Martin Mwenda, a butcher who was arrested said a customer came and parked a boda boda outside his shop before entering to buy some meat.

"While having the meal five police officers came and decided to take the bike with them after missing the owner. I resisted the move telling them they had to wait for the owner before they can take it, they refused," said Mwenda.

Ibrahim Gituma who is an uncle to Mwenda was also arrested and locked after he sought to know why the police had arrested his nephew.

The two and a witness accused police officers of demanding for bribes before a suspect is released.

The protest at the police station lasted for over an hour before the demonstrators took away the four bulls to unknown destinations.

They alleged the bulls are reared by the officers who they accused of abandoning their professional duties and instead engaging in business leading to increase in insecurity.

The two suspects were released by Kariene police station OCS Charles Keter on a free bond.