An angry mob of residents from Kisa East ward in Kakamega County, Kenya, caused mayhem at a local police station on Monday, March 3.
The mob reportedly stole Ksh4.3 million worth of fertiliser that had been stored there for distribution under the government’s subsidy programme. The youth who were responsible for the theft also set fire to the home and motorbike of the local chief, Walter Obuchere, and slaughtered three of his cows.
The police officers at the scene reported that the mob made away with 1,240 bags of fertiliser.
The incident was reportedly triggered by the murder of Kisa East Ward MCA, Stephen Maloba, who was stabbed to death on Saturday, April 1.
The youth were protesting against Maloba’s murder and took their frustration out on the local chief and the police station.
The chief, who spoke to the press after the incident, expressed his disappointment that the youth who destroyed his property were young students. He also denied having any feud with the late MCA, stating that they worked well together.
The police officers at the scene recovered 20 bags of fertiliser, and investigations are ongoing.
Maloba’s murder was the result of a heated confrontation with supporters of Khwisero Member of Parliament, Christopher Aseka Wangaya.
Reports suggest that the lawmaker had convened a meeting at the home of one of his supporters, near a secondary school. A group of individuals believed to be supporters of the MP confronted Maloba, telling him he was not welcome at the meeting.
Maloba’s death was announced by the Kakamega Deputy Governor, Ayub Savula, on Saturday, April 1, during an interdenominational service organised by Farouk Kibet in Malava, Kakamega County.
