By James Wekesi
BUNGOMA, Kenya
Residents of Lwandanyi trading center in Bungoma West Sub-County are appealing to the Bungoma County Police Commandant to discipline and transfer a local police officer (OC crime Lwandanyi police post)accused of gun misuse, threatening a worker, and aiding the escape of a foreign suspect.
Community members have threatened to hold public demonstrations if authorities fail to take immediate disciplinary action against the officer.
According to local sources, the officer allegedly assisted a Ugandan national in escaping custody last year.
The suspect had been arrested for stabbing a local resident, identified as Dallas Opae.
Police protocol required the suspect to receive medical treatment at the Lwandanyi Dispensary before being formally charged in court.
Instead, the officer allegedly intervened, aiding the criminal’s nighttime escape from the medical facility across the border into Uganda.
Fresh tension erupted after the officer allegedly threatened a female worker at his residential premises.
The dispute began when the worker questioned the officer regarding public health standards, specifically the improper disposal of used condoms around the shared latrines.
In response, the officer allegedly brandished his firearm and threatened to shoot her.
“We do not even trust him with our wives and young girls due to his unbecoming behavior,” said a member of the Bungoma West peace committee, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns.
Efforts to reach the Lwakhakha Officer Commanding Station (OCS) for comment were unsuccessful, as repeated phone calls went unanswered by the time of publication.
Lwandanyi residents continue to call for urgent intervention from higher police command to restore safety and accountability in the area.
Ends.
