The tranquility of Tiaty East Constituency was shattered on Wednesday, March 27, as a gathering of over 300 agitated youths descended upon Tangulbei Police Station. The once serene surroundings were engulfed in chaos as the irate group voiced their demands for justice following the tragic demise of a 24-year-old local. The incident, which culminated in the vandalism of the police station, has sent shockwaves across the community.
According to reports obtained by TheAfricanWatch.com, the unrest stemmed from the death of a young man who had recently been released from police custody. The deceased, having been detained for allegedly assaulting a police officer, was granted release on a Ksh30,000 cash bail by the court earlier on the same day. Tragically, his journey homeward was intercepted by assailants who mercilessly attacked and set him ablaze upon reaching the Loberer area.
“The deceased decided to trek from Kabarnet to his home in Tangulbei and when he reached Loberer area he was accosted by goons who attacked and set him ablaze,” the police report disclosed.
Fuelled by grief and frustration over the loss of their fellow community member, the local populace rallied in protest, converging upon the police station to demand answers and accountability. The demonstration quickly escalated into a scene of havoc, with protesters venting their anger by vandalizing property and seizing assets.
During the course of the unrest, a police vehicle bore the brunt of the fury, sustaining damage to its windscreen, doors, and headlights. Furthermore, the mob wreaked havoc within the confines of the station, ransacking office furniture, shattering windows, and pilfering seven motorcycles, including four belonging to police officers.
While the tumultuous events unfolded, the safety of both protesters and law enforcement officers hung precariously in the balance. Miraculously, there were no reported injuries among the demonstrators. However, a police officer sustained injuries necessitating medical attention after being struck in the face by a projectile, resulting in the loss of a front tooth. The injured officer was promptly rushed to Tangulbei Sub-County Hospital for treatment.
In the wake of the chaos, Sub-County Criminal Investigation Officers (SCCIO) from Tiaty East have initiated a thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served and those responsible for the mayhem are brought to account. This incident marks yet another grim chapter in the ongoing struggle to uphold law and order in the region.
The upheaval at Tangulbei Police Station serves as a stark reminder of the precarious balance between justice and vigilantism. It underscores the pressing need for community dialogue, transparent governance, and effective law enforcement to address grievances and prevent the escalation of tensions. As the investigation unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain fixed upon Tiaty East, awaiting resolution and hoping for a swift return to calm in the aftermath of this tragic episode.