In Mutomo, Kitui County, a police officer was attacked by a riotous mob, leaving him with critical injuries.
The officer, who has been identified as Peter Njihia, had a severe cut on his finger and had been sent as soon as possible to Ikanga Level 4 General Hospital, where he received prompt first attention. He was subsequently sent to Kitui County General Hospital for additional care due to the seriousness of his wounds.
Njihia and his colleague Constable Ismael Mutonya attempted to disperse a raucous mob that was wreaking havoc on the town’s streets when trouble began. Musyoka Linah, one of the demonstrators, is reported to have accosted the two police officers, insulting them and stirring up the crowd to attack them.
Musyoka was eventually taken into custody by the authorities, but things rapidly turned violent as the mob tried to let their colleague free.
As things grew out of hand, Njihia fired in the air to try and disperse the crowd, but during the ensuing struggle, Musyoka wrenched the handcuffs in an effort to break free, breaking Njihia’s middle finger.
He then took off running while wearing handcuffs. While Njihia receives medical attention in a hospital, police have started looking for Musyoka.