Police have launched investigations after angry residents stormed Koyonzo Police Station in Kakamega County on Sunday March 31, 2024 injuring police officers and destroying property. 

The angry residents were protesting over increased cases of insecurity in the area after two night watchmen at Koyonzo market were murdered in unclear circumstances. 

According to the police report, the officers were attacked by an angry mob at a time when they were removing the bodies to the Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary. 

“As the officers were removing the bodies, locals became very violent and started rioting. The rioters broke into Koyonzo police station where they extensively damaged the station building and torched 5 motorcycles kept in the station as exhibits.

“In the process, officers who were deployed to contain the situation  sustained injuries,” read part of the police report.

Police noted in the statement that all the injured officers were rushed to Bliss medical facilities center within Mumias.  

“Motor  Vehicle Reg no. GKA 056V Toyota Landcruizer attached to Matungu Police station was pelted with stones thereby causing damage to the windscreen. 

“The rioters proceeded to the three officers’ rental houses and set on fire all their belongings. “Two motorcycles Reg.  KMFP 844P Make Sonlink and Baja boxer  150cc of unknown number plate belonging  to two officers were also touched at the station,” police reported.

One of the officers, Cpl Benson Lunani, lost a Cz  magazine loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition during the incident. 

No casualty was reported during the incident but normalcy has been restored  within Koyonzo Center.

This was after the two guards identified as Humphrey Wesonga (64) and John Nyapola (58) from Murabe village in Munami were killed.

At the same time, the angry rioters accused police of colluding with robbers to steal from business operators at the market.