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Chaos as police raid illicit brew dens

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Published on Wednesday, 25 June 2008 05:53
Scores of people, among them two police officers, were injured and property destroyed when Suneka residents engaged police in running battles. The officers were rescued by colleagues from a shop where they had been locked up by angry youths on Sunday evening.

Business came to a standstill for more than three hours in the town after police arrested more than 46 people in a crackdown on illicit liquor brewers and drinkers in the area.

Torch the lorry

The arrests sparked street battles between police and irate youths, who threatened to release the suspects and torch the lorry they had been bundled in. Police to call for reinforcements from Kisii. The injured, including a woman undergoing treatment at Kisii Level Five hospital, were treated in various hospitals in Suneka and Kisii Town. Area police chief Augustine Kimantiria denied reports of any injuries, saying: “We arrested 40 people for their involvement in the brewing of illicit liquor.

“I have not been told of any incidents of chaos. What I know is that my officers were on duty in the area and they arrested several illicit brewers and drinkers who we are preparing to take to court today.”

“If at all any one of them (police officers) was hurt, then I’m not aware of it.” But Suneka residents led by Kisii branch Kenya National Union of Teachers chairman, Mr Geoffrey Mogire condemned the police action, describing it as uncouth and unprofessional. He demanded that investigations be carried, saying: “The police action was completely unwarranted because several people were injured and property worth thousands of shillings destroyed.”

Mr Mogire asked: “Why should police raid licensed businesses and beat up law-abiding citizens?” Also condemned A pastor Lawrence Omambia also condemned the incident and called for a shake-up of senior police officers in Kisii. He said a pastor, Kennedy Oeta, who unsuccessfully ran for a civic seat in last year’s elections, and some teachers had been arrested in the raid.