By Rose Mwangangi,
www.theanchormedia.org
A 40-year-old man is recovering from a gunshot wound after the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of Migwani Police Station opened fire during a chaotic rescue of two suspected goat thieves in Itoloni, Mwingi West, on Monday night.
Eyewitnesses reported that angry residents confronted police officers who arrived to rescue two women allegedly caught with stolen goats. The crowd demanded instant justice, forcing police to intervene.
In the heat of the confrontation, the OCS reportedly seized a firearm from one of his officers and fired into the crowd, hitting the man through the hand and shoulder.
Migwani Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Rukia Shitati confirmed the incident, noting that the victim was in stable condition at Mwingi Level 4 Hospital.
She attributed the residents’ fury to a series of unsolved livestock thefts.
“It’s unfortunate. The residents were furious, and in the scuffle, one man was shot in the shoulder. I have just come from the hospital and can confirm he is stable,” said Shitati.
The shooting has drawn public outcry, with residents accusing the OCS of using excessive force and calling for his transfer.
“We no longer trust him. A police officer shouldn’t respond to civilians with live bullets. Maybe he’s part of the cartel. He must go,” said one resident, as others joined in the protest.
During the incident, the two female suspects allegedly named accomplices and locations where stolen goats were sold. The DCC assured residents that investigations were underway and pledged to recover and return any stolen livestock.
“I urge you to be patient. We’ve taken over the case and will ensure all suspects are brought to justice,” she said.
However, the situation took another twist when one of the suspects escaped police custody upon arrival at the station. Witnesses say she was whisked away on a waiting motorcycle. A search is ongoing. The second suspect remains in custody and will be arraigned in court.
The Itoloni community remains shaken and is demanding accountability from local law enforcement.
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