IPOA condemns attack of police officers by bull fighters in Kakamega

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has condemned the attack on police officers by the public during a bull-fighting event in Kakamega.

In a statement on Sunday, the authority said such criminal acts can interrupt the provision of security and inconvenience law-abiding citizens who have the right to quality policing services.

“Such acts foster anarchy, break established order in society and exacerbate the spread of the deadly Coronavirus in the country,” the statement read

During the incident, 10 police officers were attacked and injured by an irate mob that had turned up for the popular event

Four police vehicles were also damaged extensively as officers attempted to dispel an unauthorized bull-fighting event.

The IPOA asked anyone aggrieved by a police officer to report such incidents to the authority for action.

According to a police report seen by Citizen Digital, members of the public were regrouping to hold a bull fighting event at Malinya stadium.

“A contingent of 60 police officers from neighboring sub-counties of Navokholo, Mumias West, Kakamega North who came for reinforcement, approached the crowd without any provocation,” the report reads.

Police said over 500 men armed with stones and clubs were reportedly incited by two individuals identified as Geofrey Matioli and Petro Njomu to attack the officers.

The officers are said to have used teargas canisters and blank ammunition to disperse the crowd.

However, the crowd apparently became more rowdy and followed the officers as they were withdrawing back to the police station.

The injured officers were rushed to Shibwe Level Four Sub County Hospital where they were treated and discharged.