A violent confrontation erupted in Mbande village, Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, when mourners transporting the body of their relative clashed with police officers. The incident resulted in the shooting of a 21-year-old man, who was later admitted to Webuye General Hospital.
The confrontation stemmed from the mourners’ attempt to reach the home of a local resident, who was suspected of being involved in the brutal murder of 23-year-old Douglas Lutta two weeks ago. Authorities had been alerted about the mourners’ intentions to storm the suspect’s home, which led to a heavy police presence in the area.
According to police reports, officers attempted to prevent the mourners from reaching the suspect’s compound, which quickly escalated into a violent exchange. The mourners reportedly began throwing stones at the police officers, who responded by opening fire. Amid the chaos, one of the mourners was shot and immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The incident has sparked an investigation by the police, who are working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the clash. Local residents have expressed concerns over the growing tension between the community and law enforcement, particularly in light of the murder investigation that has deeply affected the village.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by police in handling crowd control situations, particularly in emotionally charged scenarios such as funerals. Authorities are calling for calm as they investigate the incident, and they urge the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, hoping for justice for the tragic murder of Douglas Lutta, while also grappling with the aftermath of the police shooting. The police force has promised a thorough inquiry into the use of force during the incident.
