One police officer has been arrested in connection to Thursday’s teargas explosion incident that scared residents of Kisii County who went to Gusii Stadium to attend Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition rally that was graced by the coalition’s running mate Martha Karua.

His arrest was confirmed by Nyanza Police Boss Karanja Muiruri who said the officer was arrested and transferred to Kisumu Central Police Station on Thursday night.

According to Muriuri, the police officer attached to Kisii Central Police station who was identified as Josephat Makori was not on duty when the incident happened nor was he deployed to perform any duties at the event.

Makori was spotted by members of the public dropping the tear gas canister and they descended on him with blows and kicks, accusing him of trying to disrupt their meeting.

Apparently, the fellow was in civilian clothes when he dropped the tear gas canister.

“Josephat Makori of Kisii Police Station was at the scene in civilian clothes and was not deployed there, is the one who dropped the teargas canister. This was witnessed by members of the public who beat him up accusing him of why he was spoiling their meeting. He was rescued by fellow police officers,” Muiruri said.

Makori will be arraigned in court on Friday for disrupting a political meeting and endangering the lives of members of the public.

He will also face internal disciplinary action in accordance with the National Police Service (NPS) protocols.

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) are also exploring the possibility of Makori having other accomplices.