Leaders call for probe into MCA's shooting in crackdown on illicit ethanol

Bungoma County Assembly has condemned an incident where Kamukuywa MCA Abraham Kimungui was shot in a police operation on illicit ethanol in the region.

Led by Majority Leader Joseph Nyongesa the assembly condemned the shooting of the MCA and called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) to investigate the matter.

The first-time Ward Rep known as ‘Obama’ is nursing gunshot wounds sustained during the confrontation with police over impounded ethanol consignment on Thursday.

The incident occurred after police intercepted a truck allegedly transporting smuggled ethanol.

Kimungui, who operates businesses at Kamukuywa market, was reportedly injured during a scuffle with police and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officials who attempted to seize the consignment.

Nyongesa pointed an accusing finger at the police, saying they are also involved in the illegal ethanol trade.

He accused Bungoma Police Station of failing to come clean on the circumstances under which the MCA was shot.

“Many police officers run the ethanol business. If our colleague was wrong, the authorities should have followed the proper legal process instead of resorting to violence,” he said.

“Myself and other MCAs went to the station early in the morning demanding answers, but no officer was willing to address us,” he added.

The Majority Leader claimed that the attack on the MCA appeared to be a deliberate attempt to eliminate him.

“Why would over eight police vehicles pursue one person? Their aim was clearly to kill him. Three bullets were fired—one narrowly missed where he was seated, and another struck his thigh, leaving him badly injured,” he claimed.

Nyongesa has called for the transfer of officers who have overstayed at the Bungoma Police Station, accusing them of allegedly engaging in illegal activities.

But Mt Elgon Sub County Police Commander Moffat Mang’era told journalists that the officers acting on a tip-off intercepted a lorry ferrying about 8,750 litres of ethanol in Mapera village, Kimilili.

Mang’era said a scuffle ensued after Kimungui was allegedly identified as the owner of the illegal consignment and mobilised goons to disrupt the operation.

He claimed that the said truck had been traced to the MCA’s home where it was been parked before it was moved to another place.

Upon verification, Mang’era said it was established that the number plate on the truck belonged to another vehicle raising suspicion.

“The operation was led by KRA officers and supported by the DCI and police. Unfortunately, the MCA mobilised a group of armed individuals to disrupt the operation,” Mang’era claimed.

The police boss said the injured MCA was rushed to Bungoma County Referral Hospital and later referred to Eldoret for specilaised treatment.

Mang’era said investigations into the incident are ongoing and vowed strict crack down on those involved in smuggling and other illegal activities.