Log In

Baringo: Pain as Boda Boda Rider Dies Days after Alleged Assault by 3 KFS Officers

Published 1 month ago3 minute read

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over four years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

- A 26-year-old boda boda rider from Eldama Ravine was allegedly attacked by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) officers from Narasha Forest Station while running an errand for a client.

Augustine Kipng'etich died after being assaulted by KFS officers.
Boda boda rider, Augustine Kipng'etich (l) was attacked while going to fetch fencing posts for a client. An illustration of polls (r). Photo: Citizen Digital/Tony Karumba via Getty Images.
Source: Youtube

The officers reportedly shot Augustine Kipng’etich in the right leg before rushing him to Nakuru Level 5 Hospital for urgent medical attention. However, on Friday, February 7, he succumbed to injuries sustained during the assault.

Kipng’etich’s family, who reside near Narasha Forest, recounted the tragic events.

According to them, he had been requested to collect fencing posts from inside the forest when they suddenly heard a gunshot. Realising he had gone to the area, they rushed to investigate.

His mother, Jane Rotich, described the harrowing experience of trying to reach her injured son.

“When we arrived, the officers chased us away. I pleaded with them to let me see my child, but they refused, telling me to leave. They even pointed guns at me. When I finally reached him, I found my son struggling for his life,” she said.
“He was called to the forest to assist with work… boda boda riders are called everywhere for errands… when he went, he was apprehended. Upon arrival, I found my son had been shot and killed,” added his father.

The family of the deceased, who leaves behind young children, is now demanding justice and calling for those responsible to be held accountable.

Meanwhile, the three suspects, Robert Ngilimo, Hillary Bett, and McDonald Wafula, were charged at the Eldama Ravine Law Courts on Thursday, February 6, for attacking boda boda operators during their operations.

The Kenya Forest Service acknowledged the incident, condemning the actions of its officers.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, stated:

“This is a very unfortunate incident. We do not condone such actions by our rangers or security personnel against members of the public.”

Marakwet West MP Timothy Toroitich also denounced the attack, stating that officers from KFS should never take the law into their own hands by attacking, shooting, and killing innocent people.

"The law, under Article 50, presumes everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” he added.

The tragic incident has sparked outrage among residents, who are now demanding justice for Kipng’etich and his grieving family.

In other news, a middle-aged man from Kutus, Kirinyaga, is in agony after a butcher brutally chopped off his genitalia when he demanded his KSh 50 balance.

Doctors managed to reconstruct his scrotal sac, which had exposed his testicles after the attack. However, the victim is now pleading with authorities to apprehend the suspect.

He also recounted his harrowing ordeal and urged his attacker to help clear his mounting medical bills, as he has no means to pay.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Origin:
publisher logo
Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news.
Loading...
Loading...

You may also like...