The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued an update on the violent incident in which a police officer was attacked by a mob and disarmed during recent unrest in Bondo, Siaya County.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 3, the DCI confirmed that a manhunt is underway for a group of suspects captured on video assaulting a police officer and stealing his anti-riot weapon during an invasion of Bondo Police Station on Tuesday.
“Manhunt is underway for goons who yesterday invaded Bondo Police Station while armed with crude weapons including stones, catapults, slings, petrol bombs, and other concealed weapons, seriously injuring several police officers and maliciously destroying property,”
read part of the DCI statement.
Video Sparks Outrage
The incident came to light after a video showing the officer being overpowered and beaten by a mob went viral, sparking widespread public outrage and condemnation across Kenya.
In the footage, a group of men — some wielding rungus and clubs — surround a police officer in full anti-riot gear. Despite his attempts to defend himself with a teargas launcher, the officer is quickly overpowered, knocked to the ground, and beaten as he pleads for mercy.
A voice in the background can be heard shouting, “Mwache, mwache, mwache!” — Swahili for “Leave him alone!” — as the officer, visibly injured, struggles to stand and flee before collapsing again.
Weapon Recovered, Suspect Arrested
The DCI has since confirmed that the attackers robbed the officer of his anti-riot gun (launcher) but the weapon was later recovered during a follow-up operation.
One suspect, identified from the viral video, has already been arrested, while detectives continue to pursue others who were involved in the assault.
“One of the key suspects captured in the footage has been arrested. The pursuit of his accomplices, who have since been identified, continues,” said the DCI in the statement.
The injured officer, whose identity has not been disclosed for security reasons, was rescued by good Samaritans and taken to Bondo Hospital, where he was treated and admitted in stable condition.
Most of the other officers and civilians hurt during the attack have since been discharged.
Public Reactions
The video has drawn sharp criticism from Kenyans online, with many condemning the attack as a dangerous escalation of recent anti-government protests that have turned violent in several towns.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai urged Kenyans to reject lawlessness during demonstrations.
“We must soul-search and decide whether we want to live within the law or in anarchy. How can we support leaderless movements where such things happen? Let’s be careful,” Alai posted.
Another user, Enock Odhiambo, wrote that while citizens have a right to protest, police officers are also human and should not be subjected to mob violence.
“They act on orders — they don’t deserve to be humiliated or attacked,” he said.
Musa Abuti added, “As much as I support protests, I don’t support assaulting officers. Those involved must face the law.”
Nationwide Tensions
The Bondo attack was part of a wider wave of chaos and lawlessness that swept across the country on July 2, as criminals infiltrated anti-government protests, attacking and robbing civilians even in the presence of security officers.
According to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC), at least 39 people had been killed since the demonstrations began on June 18, while dozens more were injured.
The DCI has urged the public to provide any information that could help in tracking down the remaining suspects, warning that attacks on police officers constitute serious criminal offenses under Kenyan law.
