Police officers in motorcyclists shooting saga sacked

By Robert Wanyonyi

BUNGOMA, KENYA: Three police officers who allegedly shot dead two Boda Boda operators at Naitiri Market in Bungoma County last Saturday have been sacked.

Internal Security Assistant Minister Alfred Khang'ati who visited the scene of the killings condemned the incident blaming the officers for engaging in extra-judicial executions at a time when the country has a new constitution.

The Minister assured residents that he had informed the Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo about the incident and the subsequent disciplinary action taken against the officers involved in the act.

"I want to appeal to you to remain peaceful during this campaign period but also know that the government has fired the killer officers since they totally acted outside the law," announced Khang'ati.

The officers who were manning a  road barrier jointly with Bungoma County Council staff opened fire on a motorcycle cyclist killing him on the spot for allegedly defying an order to pay a Sh50 "toll fee".

The killing prompted violent protests as residents joined Boda Boda cyclists in demonstrating over the incident.

The protests caught the police officers unawares and feeling out-numbered, they opened fire again, killing the second person while injuring three other people.

Former Trade and Industry Minister Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi who is vying for the Bungoma Senatorial seat condemned the police action and urged the government to order all road barriers currently erected on feeder and major roads by police and County Council staff removed until after the general elections.

Kituyi had to suspend his campaigns briefly to assist in taking the injured to hospital as members of the public continued to engage police in running battles.

"We want the barriers removed immediately since majority of them are operating illegally just to extort money from road users most of who are poor Boda Boda operators," said Kituyi.