Elgeyo Marakwet residents on Wednesday went on the rampage to protest the killing of an Administration Police (AP) officer.
Officers were forced to shoot in the air to disperse the rowdy crowd who burnt down a Kenya Forest Services (KFS) Camp and two rangers' houses in Kessup, Elgeyo Marakwet.
This comes after the 32-year-old officer identified as Sammy Kimutai, was shot dead by KFS rangers after allegedly being found transporting stolen timber from Kessup Forest in Keiyo North.
Confirming the incident, North Rift KFS regional coordinator Stephen Chesa said the officer was accidentally shot as he tried to grab a gun from one of the rangers.
“He attempted to grab a gun from a ranger when they tried to arrest him. Our officers shot him accidentally during the confrontation,” said Chesa.
On his part, Sharif Abdallah, the county police commander warned residents against challenging rangers who protect forests.
“We will not entertain illegal logging. Violence against security officers is a serious crime. Residents should desist from taking the law into their own hands," said Abdallah, as quoted by The Star.