Unknown people on Thursday, October 12 burned a police vehicle at Liter police station in East Marakwet, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The incident has elicited tension in the area as local leaders and residents raise concerns about their safety.

Area OCPD John Muchiri has confirmed the incident, adding that the police vehicle was burnt by criminals attempting to rescue their accomplice who had been arrested.

He said police officers engaged the suspected criminals in running battles before the police vehicle was set on fire.

“Unknown armed individuals stormed the police station demanding the release of one of them who had been arrested,”  said the OCPD.

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“Our officers managed to repulse them but in the process one of the police patrol vehicles was reduced to ashes,” he added. 

The suspect was arrested in connection to insecurity and banditry incidents in Kerio valley.

Muchiri added that the suspect who was arrested was one of the bandits who escaped from Iten referral hospital in April 2023 after being rescued by other armed accomplices.

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Earlier in April, armed bandits stormed a hospital in Item and overpowered security officers before rescuing their accomplices who were undergoing treatment for gunshot wounds.

However, he expressed optimism that police have launched investigations into the incident as the search for suspects continues.

As a result, leaders from Elgeyo Markwet County including governor Wesley Rotich have condemned the incident and called on residents to collaborate with security agencies in combating crime in the county.