Business came to a standstill at Weteithe market in Juja after police were forced to shoot in the air to disperse a crowd that wanted to beat a police officer.
The angry crowd armed with crude weapons wanted to beat a policeman who they accused of beating up a woman during a raid to destroy an illicit den.
The crowd alleged that the officers were looking for the husband of the woman who escaped during the raid.
“The officer slapped the woman twice as they gained access to the drinking den,” said a middle-aged young man, who sought to remain anonymous.
The woman is said to have given birth recently and the act by the officer to allegedly slap her offended them.
“The police should be humane when conducting their raids and operations,” said Mercy Kariuki, a vegetable vendor at the market.
Ms Kariuki observed that cases of police allegedly assaulting residents during raids are common and asked the government to move in and take action against the officers.
“The county and the national government should investigate the case and take action against the officer if found guilty,” she said.
County public service board chair Dominic Kanyi, commenting on the matter, said police were conducting investigations the allegations.
He said that a report will be given and action taken against the said officer is found guilty of assault.
Kanyi, however, called on the police and other county leaders to spearhead the war on illicit brewing.
He said that illicit brewing has resurfaced again and must be dealt with accordingly.
“The police should continue the war on illicit makers and sellers.”