At least 47 people were taken into custody after a violent mob stormed and vandalised Macalder Police Station in Migori County, leaving behind a trail of destruction and injuries.
The arrests followed a large-scale police operation in Copper Hill, Osiri Junction, and Matanda, where officers pursued suspects believed to have participated in Friday’s chaos. Authorities confirmed that more individuals are still being sought.
The unrest erupted after residents staged a demonstration demanding justice for the killing of Peter Onyango, a 30-year-old M-Pesa agent who was shot dead during a robbery on March 12. What began as a peaceful protest quickly spiraled out of control when a group of youths forced their way into the police station and the Deputy County Commissioner’s office.
During the attack, property worth millions was destroyed. A Toyota Land Cruiser was torched, while a Ford Ranger had its windows shattered and body panels dented. Heavy machinery, including an excavator and a JCB 3DX, was also vandalised. Offices within the station were broken into, and six houses belonging to police officers were burnt down, leaving families displaced.
Police reported that 22 officers sustained injuries in the confrontation, while several civilians may also have been hurt, though exact figures remain unclear.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo strongly condemned the violence, stressing that such attacks on law enforcement institutions “should never happen again” and pledging that justice will be pursued.
Investigations are ongoing, with security reinforcements deployed in Nyatike Subcounty to restore calm and prevent further unrest.
