Residents of Kimaeti, Bungoma County, took to the streets to protest police inaction after a night security guard was brutally murdered by suspected robbers targeting local shops.

The deceased, identified as Changalwa Nabiswa, was killed just 50 meters from the Kimaeti Police Station, sparking outrage among the community.

Angry residents stormed the Kimaeti Police Station, demanding the ejection of officers they accused of neglecting their duties and focusing more on arresting busaa (local brew) brewers rather than ensuring the safety of residents.

Robin Wanyonyi, a local resident, expressed frustration with the police’s failure to address the community’s security concerns, stating that is why they have taken the law in their hands to chase these officers.

The residents vowed not to accept the officers back, calling for the deployment of new personnel who would be more responsive to their needs.

Elphas Okwachu, a boda boda rider, condemned the incident and demanded a speedy investigation, saying, “the security guard who was butchered is an innocent guy, he was only on his hustle so that he can provide for the family, we are annoyed as residents of the security team at this market.”

The protest led to the paralysis of activities along the Kanduyi-Malaba Highway for several hours. The body of the deceased was taken to the Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation, while the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched a probe into the incident.

Area Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka condemned the murder and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.