Residents of Kisumu and Kericho killed five robbery suspects, one possessing a police identification that authorities claim is fake. The incident followed the suspects' attempt to rob a cooperative society treasurer carrying Sh1.1 million. Police have initiated investigations and provided details on the disputed ID.
On Tuesday morning, five robbery suspects identified themselves to Richard Bala, treasurer of Mashambani Farmers’ Cooperative Society, as police officers shortly after he left the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) branch in Muhoroni with Sh1.1 million. They forced him into their vehicle heading toward Kericho, but residents including boda boda riders followed and cornered them in Koitaburot, Kericho County.
When police arrived at the scene, they fired shots, one striking Irine Chepkemoi who remains hospitalized, though it is unclear if she was part of the crowd. Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated that the found identification is fake and contains details of two different officers. Its service number belongs to another officer working in Kasarani, he added. The Koru Police Station boss confirmed they have no officer by that name, while another officer claimed it belongs to a constable in Busia.
Nyaga said investigators have not yet identified the suspects and have collected fingerprints expecting results soon. The incident occurred about 24 hours before Kisumu police officer Mark Owino was identified in a parade for robbing a trader and three customers in Ajigo, Siaya County, on February 2.
Two armed robbery cases across three counties have renewed fears about corrupt police officers crossing county borders to commit crimes against the citizens they swore to protect.
