A special squad has been sent to Igembe, Meru County to investigate the violent attack by a mob on two police stations that saw an AK47 rifle stolen.
The mob of around 500 individuals, also set fire to property, vandalized furniture, and liberated detainees from a holding cell during the incident on December 6.
A manhunt for the perpetrators is currently underway.
According to law enforcement, the mob had congregated for the funeral of a 16-year-old boy who was murdered on November 19 in the same locality.
Fueled by frustration over perceived inaction following the boy's killing, the mob expressed anger, leading to the destructive attack on the police stations.
The mob then attacked Antubeiga police post, broke the armoury metal box and stole from therein one AK47 rifle serial loaded with 29 rounds of 7.62mm special.
According to the police, the mob not only set fire to the exhibit store but also vandalized the residence of a police officer, resulting in the destruction of all personal items.
Despite the aggression, the officers present refrained from retaliating.
The mob then proceeded to Muringene police station, where they damaged the backup power system, a communication gadget, and other valuable equipment at the report office. Witnesses noted that the police on duty sought cover during the incident.
The destructive spree extended to the Muringene police line, encompassing the station office and the chief's office within the station. Numerous window panes were shattered, and ten plastic chairs in the office were destroyed.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the police officers.
The mob further advanced to the cells, successfully freeing four suspects.
They include a juvenile charged with the offences stealing, , a remandee who was held for the offence of stealing, a man who was held for the offence of creating a disturbance and another man who was in custody for assault.
Police on duty said they feared taking action on the violent mob because of the repercussions that would follow.
A team sent to the area to investigate the attack is still recording statements and hunting down those behind the same, officials said.
An attack on a police station is criminal and warrants police to use force to stop the same.
Police who talked on condition of anonymity said the locals are usually favoured in such incidents for political expedience.
“There is no need to take action and shoot at the mob and later be arrested for murder because of political pressure,” said one officer.
Failure on the side of police to take action can also be deemed criminal.
