Two Shot Dead in Violent Clash Between Residents and KFS Officers

Two people were shot dead while another sustained serious gunshot wounds following a violent confrontation between residents of Mukolusu village and officers from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in Shinyalu Sub-county, Kakamega County.

The incident reportedly began after a disagreement over the route a lorry ferrying building sand from a nearby depot was to use when leaving the area.

What started as a dispute quickly escalated into chaos, culminating in a deadly confrontation late Monday night.

Grief-stricken residents woke up on Tuesday to scenes of destruction and loss after a night of unrest.

According to eyewitnesses, tensions rose after locals questioned KFS officers over the movement of sand and a tractor, alleging that the equipment had been diverted from its intended destination.

“One moment, there were three officers on a motorcycle, and the next thing the confrontation began. People wanted to know why the sand and tractor were not where they were supposed to be,” one resident recounted.

Another resident described the horror of the night, saying they heard loud bangs believed to be teargas canisters before learning that two villagers had been killed.

“We went and found the bodies of Goddy and my in-law Lisieka, a quiet man who never caused trouble,” she said.

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Property Destroyed, Victim Hospitalized

As the violence intensified, a motorcycle used by the KFS officers was set ablaze.

One other individual was shot and sustained serious injuries.

The victim is currently receiving treatment at the Kakamega County Referral Hospital.

Police Say Officers Acted in Self-Defense

Shinyalu Sub-county Police Commander Daniel Mukumbu confirmed the incident, stating that the officers involved acted in self-defense after being attacked by members of the public.

However, residents expressed anger and frustration, accusing the officers of excessive force.

“Their job is to protect the public and their property, not to kill people,” one resident said, while another claimed that KFS officers frequently clash with locals in the area.

Separate Police Shooting Case Raises Tensions

The Shinyalu unrest occurred on the same day the Nyeri Law Court granted investigators an additional 14 days to detain Administration Police Constable Peter Wamiti Mwangi.

Mwangi is accused of fatally shooting George Gathu, a businessman from Karatina, on Sunday night.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority sought more time to conclude investigations into the case.

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Court Cites Security and Witness Interference Concerns

In her ruling, the senior magistrate noted the public outcry surrounding the case and raised concerns over the suspect’s safety and the possibility of witness interference.

“While the suspect may ordinarily be admitted to bail, I do not find that appropriate at this stage due to the ongoing investigations and security concerns,” the magistrate ruled.

Calls for Justice and Accountability

The officer is expected to appear in court on February 3.

Meanwhile, human rights defenders and local leaders are calling for swift, transparent investigations into both incidents to ensure accountability and justice for the families of the deceased.

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