Langas Residents Clash with Police Over Fatal Hit-and-Run
Rebecca Mulama, a cousin of the deceased, called for justice, emphasizing the victim’s role as a family man with two dependent children
A crowd gathers around the victim's body.
Eldoret was rocked by violent protests on Wednesday after a middle-aged man was killed in a suspected hit-and-run incident involving a police vehicle.
The ensuing clashes between residents and law enforcement required the deployment of tear gas to disperse the agitated crowd.
According to eyewitnesses, the tragedy unfolded in the Kona Mbaya area on Tuesday night when a police car pursuing a suspected illicit brew carrier lost control and struck the pedestrian. Infuriated residents accused the police of negligence and demanded swift justice for the victim.
“We are certain there will be no justice for this victim. The police are likely to cover up for themselves, hence the reasons for us demonstrating,” alleged a local resident, expressing the community’s deep-seated mistrust of law enforcement.
Protesters also demanded media coverage of the incident before allowing the police to remove the body from the scene. In response, anti-riot police, under the command of Turbo Sub-County Deputy Police Commander Edward Masibo, were dispatched to quell the unrest. The deceased was eventually transported to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary.
Masibo pledged to initiate an immediate investigation into the incident and urged residents to cooperate with the police by providing any relevant information.
Paul Siundu, the victim’s brother, recounted receiving a call informing him of the fatal accident involving his sibling. His younger brother, Branda Siundu, confirmed the identity of the deceased upon arriving at the scene.
“We were told that Bernard was not hit only once, it seems that the vehicle hit him more than once. He suffered injuries to his head and his legs were severely broken,” Branda Siundu stated, describing the extent of the victim’s injuries.
Branda Siundu further revealed that witnesses claimed the incident occurred around 10 PM, yet the police arrived at the scene only around 11 AM Wednesday. “We have been given an OB and are waiting for a way forward,” added Paul Siundu.
Rebecca Mulama, a cousin of the deceased, called for justice, emphasizing the victim’s role as a family man with two dependent children
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