Mwingi Central OCPD John Nyamu has warned residents against taking the law into their hands as they intensify war against charcoal burning and sand harvesting.
Nyamu said the government will not allow residents to take the law into their arms by destroying vehicles or injuring those involved in the banned charcoal trade.
Adressing journalists at his office in Mwingi town on Tuesday , Nyamu said police were investigating circumstances that led to the torching of a Probox on suspicion it was ferrying charcoal in Mwingi town on Tuesday evening.
He said police will arrest suspects linked to the torching once investigations were complete.
The OCPD stated that members of the public have no right to take the law into their own hands.
“We are going to take stern action on people who are destroying property and injuring others in the name of preventing crime,” Nyamu said.
He said investigations into the torching of the Probox was ongoing.
Residents from Mwingi town are accused of setting a blaze the Probox after they were tipped off it was ferrying charcoal to undisclosed destination.
Two occupants of the vehicle reportedly scampered to safety after angry locals descended on them.
The incident brings to three, the number of vehicles which have been torched in regards to the charcoal ban in Kitui.
The charcoal ban in Kitui has created controversy with Kiambu politicians and traders demanding for Governor Charity Ngilu’s arrest and prosecution on claims that she is inciting locals to violence.
The politicians allege that Ngilu has been inciting locals to torch down vehicles found ferrying charcoal.
Ngilu has, however, denied the incitement allegations, maintaining that the ban on charcoal is unstoppable.
On Monday, Ngilu appeared before the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) where she was grilled over the alleged incitement to violence allegations.
Last week, Ngilu moved to court seeking orders to stop the police from arresting her.
A Kitui court granted Ngilu Sh50,000 anticipatory bail stopping her arrest.
To be the first to get updates on breaking and trending news in Kenya, send your WhatsApp number to 0792066259.