Summary
- 47 suspects arrested after a mob attacked Macalder Police Station in Nyatike, Migori County.
- 22 police officers injured as protesters vandalised property and torched vehicles.
- Violence followed the killing of an M-Pesa agent, which triggered protests demanding justice.
NAIROBI, Kenya- Police have arrested at least 47 suspects following a violent attack on Macalder Police Station, where a mob vandalised property and torched vehicles during protests over rising insecurity.
Authorities said the suspects were rounded up on Saturday during security operations in Migori County, as investigators continue pursuing others linked to the attack.
The violence left at least 22 police officers injured and several buildings and vehicles destroyed.
Mob Storms Police Station
Police said the operation targeted suspects in Copper Hill, Osiri Junction, and Matanda areas after a group of protesters forced their way into the station compound on Friday.
During the chaos, the mob vandalised multiple offices, including the report office and the station commander’s office.
Several vehicles were also damaged or destroyed, including a Toyota Land Cruiser that was completely burnt.
A Ford Ranger belonging to the station was heavily damaged after protesters smashed its windows and dented its body with stones.
An excavator held at the station as an exhibit had its windows shattered, while a JCB 3DX was also vandalised.
In addition, six houses belonging to police officers were burned, leaving affected families without any salvageable belongings.
Government Condemns the Violence
The attack drew condemnation from Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
“What happened was wrong and should never happen again. We condemn it and will seek justice,” Omollo said.
Police said the demonstration began peacefully at around 9 am but turned chaotic after rowdy youths stormed both the police station and the office of the Deputy County Commissioner.
Authorities believe some civilians may also have been injured in the clashes, although the exact number remains unclear.
Killing of M-Pesa Agent Sparked Protests
The protests were triggered by the killing of Peter Onyango, a 30-year-old M-Pesa agent, during a robbery on the night of March 12.
According to police, two armed men stormed his shop carrying an AK-47 rifle and demanded money.
The attackers fired three shots, hitting Onyango on the right side of the chest.
He was rushed toward Migori County Referral Hospital but died while being transported.
Investigators recovered a spent 7.92 mm cartridge and a yellow helmet believed to have been left behind by the attackers.
The suspects fled the scene on a motorcycle without registration plates.
Police say investigations into the robbery and the violent protest are ongoing, with security now reinforced across Nyatike Subcounty.
