Four individuals were fatally shot by police in Migori after they made an audacious attempt to invade a police station on Thursday evening.
The group, part of a convoy escorting the body of one Moses Mwangi from the mortuary, unexpectedly turned violent and stormed the Isebania Police Station, demanding answers regarding the recent surge in insecurity within the region.
Using a pickup truck loaded with stones, they launched an attack on the station, causing extensive property damage.
According to a police report, the mob, armed with pangas and machetes, began smashing window panes at the station's armoury and other offices.
Subsequently, they forcefully broke down the cell doors with the intention of freeing the detained individuals.
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Realizing that they were being overpowered, the police officers resorted to using live ammunition as a deterrent against the rioters who were intent on stealing firearms.
A section of the police report stated
"They started destroying the gates of the cells demanding the release of all those in custody. After overrunning the officers running the report office, armoury and cells, the officers defended the station's armoury and prevent the forceful rescue of prisoners in custody and theft of firearms by use of live ammunition," .
As a result, the four individuals were fatally shot at the scene. Witnessing this violent turn of events, the crowd grew increasingly angry and engaged in confrontations with the police.
In response, the officers had no choice but to deploy tear gas to disperse the agitated mob.
Unfortunately, one officer, who was stationed at the armory, sustained injuries to their eyes and other parts of their body during the incident.
The bodies of the four unidentified individuals were subsequently transported to St. Akidiva Mindira Mabera Hospital.
The police authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation into the incident, aiming to determine the motives behind the invasion and the events that led to the fatal outcome.