Security apparatus in Tiriki East Sub-County in Vihiga County have launched a manhunt to arrest members of the public who physically assaulted a police officer during an impromptu chang’aa raid in Shaviringa village, Shiru Ward.

According to Vihiga County Police Boss Zachariah Bitok, the police officer attached to Shaviringa Police Post was on Thursday, May 23 in the company of other officers during a routine patrol at around 11:00 am, before spotting suspicious “goods” being ferried on a motorcycle along Shaviringa-Muhudu Road.

Upon intercepting the motorcycle and a subsequent inspection of the goods being ferried, the police officers discovered about 80 liters of chang’aa that was being transported to an unknown destination. Consequently, the officers arrested the motorcyclist, also impounding the motorcycle alongside the illicit brew.

However, before the police could make any further moves, members of the public who were reportedly watching from a distance descended on the officers, pelting stones forcing the police to flee for their safety. One of the police officers sustained serious head injuries and is currently admitted at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referal Hospital in the neighbouring Kisumu County.

The suspect managed to escape during the fracas, while members of the public took back the chang’aa and also recovered the motorcycle from the police.

Vihiga County Police Commander Zachariah Bitok has strongly condemned the incident, insisting on good working relations between the police force and the general public. Additionally, the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has expresses deep concerns over the act, stating that such incidents risk reversing the progress made in enhancing accountability and professionalism in policing.