Two police officers have been arrested and numerous others transferred following an incident on Sunday, February 9, 2025, in which four males were shot and injured in Barwesa, Baringo County.
The victims were part of a group investigating suspected livestock thieves about their role in the area’s escalating stock theft rates.
The men with gunshot wounds are being treated at Baringo County Referral Hospital.
One of the wounded, Kimwei Benedict, expressed his sorrow, stating, “I was shot in the shoulder, and my bones are broken and exposed.
I’m not sure how I’ll live because people rely on me.
In response to the shooting, citizens protested along the Kabarnet Barwesa Road, burning tires and causing businesses to close.
According to the demonstrators, one victim was shot in the leg, another lost fingers, and a third sustained a brain injury.
They questioned why the police shot the men without provocation.
“While we were interrogating the thieves, officers arrived, protected them, and then opened fire on us,” stated local resident Amon Kiplagata.
Residents also accused the police of working with criminals, claiming that arrested cattle thieves were released by the authorities.
They also stated that one of the officers engaged in the shooting was inebriated. I’ve never seen an intoxicated officer with a pistol.
“One of them struggled to fire into the air and instead sprayed bullets into the crowd,” alleged another resident, Sylvan Kandagor.
Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu acknowledged that investigations are currently ongoing.
“We detained two police officers and moved those involved in the event.
“They are now stationed at the sub-county headquarters while further investigations continue,” Kiragu remarked.
In addition, Baringo County Commissioner Sangolo Kutwa announced the closure of all butcheries in the area for one week to conduct health and safety inspections.
“We have closed all butcheries for one week to guarantee that they are selling legally inspected meat that meets health regulations.
This will assist to avoid such problems in the future,” Kutwa said.
