- A resident recounted the killing of two civilians during a violent protest caused by the killing of a local businessman in Migori
- A senior police officer was among several policemen who were seriously injured during the attack, prompting a strong reaction from authorities
- A politician was arrested in connection with the incident while the investigation continues into the businessman’s death and the protests that followed
Migori: Violent confrontations broke out between residents of Nyatike sub-county and security officers at the Macalder Police Station, resulting in the death of two civilians and the serious injury of several police officers.
Source: Original
The riots were provoked by the shooting and killing of an agent M-MoneyPeter Onyango Midiala, Thursday night, March 12, at Osiri Junction.
It is reported that Onyango was attacked by unknown assailants who also robbed him of an unknown amount of money and property.
The tragic incident caused unrest among residents who, in recent weeks, have complained about an increase in violent crime targeting businesses, including armed robberies and gun attacks.
What was the outcome of the protest at Macalder Police Station?
According to reports, angry residents did protest Friday, March 13, which quickly escalated into violence.
Protesters stormed the Macalder Police Station, vandalized property, set a police car on fire, and burned down six police officers’ houses, leaving their families homeless.
They also vandalized the office of the Deputy County Commissioner within the premises of the station.
During the confrontation, police officers opened fire trying to disperse the crowd, resulting in the death of two civilians, an incident that increased the tension in the mining town.
“We went to the police to understand the cause of the murder, but they started shooting people. They killed a fourth-grade student who was looking for money to register for a course at the university,” said a resident.
Authorities confirmed that 22 police officers were injured during the clashes, including the Migori County Police Commander, who was reportedly airlifted to Nairobi for special treatment after sustaining serious injuries.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner, Florence Mworoa, visited the scene shortly after the violence and condemned the incident.
Furthermore, he urged residents to maintain calm as the investigation begins.
“We condemn the violent attack on the Macalder Police Station and the destruction of government property,” the commissioner said.
“We have started an investigation into the murder of the businessman and the violence that followed. Those found guilty will face the full force of the law,” Mworoa warned.
Furthermore, he warned locals who may have illegal weapons to hand them over to the authorities before a security search is conducted to recover the illegal weapons in the area.
Source: Original
What did the local leaders say about the violence in Migori?
Local leaders, Migori women’s representative Fatuma Mohammed and Nyatike Member of Parliament Tom Odege, who visited Macalder, described the situation as sad and called for immediate action to restore order.
“The killing of Peter Onyango Midiala has shaken the community. Residents are living in fear due to the recent increase in robberies and gun attacks targeting businesses. Although the anger is understandable, violence cannot be the solution,” he said.
Mohammed expressed the need to rebuild public confidence in the security agencies, while calling for the immediate transfer of officers present in the area.
The MP called on the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and investigation within the Osiri-Macalder area to help identify suspected criminal elements hiding among the residents.
“The safety and livelihood of our people is very important. We must cooperate with the security agencies to restore peace and stability,” he said.
Nyatike Member of Parliament Tom Odege also condemned the violent attack at the police station while calling for calm among the locals.
“Justice for Peter Onyango must be pursued through proper legal channels. Although the right to protest is constitutional, the burning of police vehicles, the destruction of government offices and the burning of officers’ houses is unacceptable. No complaints justify such violence. Let us seek justice through peace, not through more bloodshed,” Odege said.
The MP went on to call on the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to speed up investigations not only into the killing of Peter Onyango but also other recent incidents of violence in the area, including the shooting of several residents in the past weeks.
Did the police arrest a politician over the violent attack in Migori?
Meanwhile, following the unrest that continued for most of Saturday, March 14, Macalder/Kanyarwanda Ward MCA Felix Okwanyo was summoned and later arrested by DCI in Migori.
Security agencies deployed more officers to the area as investigations into the businessman’s murder and the subsequent violent attack on the police station continued.
Authorities asked residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as security agencies stepped up operations to restore order.
Officials warned that continued violence could worsen the situation and delay justice for victims of recent crimes.
Additional reporting from Sarah Zadock, TUKO.co.ke reporter.
Read ENGLISH VERSION
Do you have an exciting story that you would like us to publish? Please contact us via news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
