Macalder/Kanyarwanda MCA Felix Okwanyo under probe as Investigations Intensify Over Deadly Attack on Macalder Police Station
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested Macalder/Kanyarwanda Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Felix Okwanyo in connection with the violent attack on Macalder Police Station that left two civilians dead and several police officers seriously injured.
Police confirmed that the ward representative was picked up by investigators following the deadly rampage that rocked Macalder town in Nyatike Sub-County on Friday, where angry residents staged violent protests and stormed the local police station.
Authorities said Okwanyo has since been transferred to the DCI headquarters for further interrogation as investigators seek to establish the circumstances that led to the escalation of violence in the mining town.
The arrest comes as security agencies intensify investigations into the unrest that followed the killing of local businessman Peter Onyango Midiala, who was reportedly shot dead by unknown assailants at Osiri Junction on Thursday night.
Deadly Rampage
According to police reports, the killing of the trader sparked public outrage among residents, many of whom accused security agencies of failing to address the growing wave of violent crime targeting traders and business people in the gold mining region.
On Friday, irate residents staged protests that quickly escalated into chaos, with hundreds of demonstrators storming Macalder Police Station and engaging security officers in violent confrontations.
During the melee, protesters set a police vehicle ablaze, destroyed property within the station compound, and burned down six houses belonging to police officers, leaving their families homeless.
The protesters also vandalised the Deputy County Commissioner’s office located within the station compound.
Police officers attempted to disperse the crowd, resulting in a deadly confrontation that left two civilians dead, further escalating tensions across the area.
Authorities reported that more than 10 police officers sustained injuries, including senior officers, during the clashes. Among those injured was Migori County Police Commander, who was airlifted to Nairobi for specialised medical treatment after sustaining serious injuries.
Security Crackdown and Investigations
Following the incident, security agencies launched investigations into both the killing of businessman Peter Onyango Midiala and the subsequent violent attack on the police station.
Officials say the arrest of MCA Okwanyo forms part of the broader investigation aimed at identifying individuals suspected of mobilising or participating in the attack on the police station and destruction of government property.
Regional authorities have also warned that additional arrests could follow as detectives review evidence and witness accounts from the scene.
Leaders Condemn Violence
The violent unrest has drawn condemnation from leaders across the region.
Nyatike Member of Parliament Tom Odege condemned the destruction of government property and the attacks on police officers, noting that no grievance should justify such violence.
He confirmed that about 20 officers were injured during the confrontation, some of them seriously.
Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed, who visited the area alongside local leaders and security officials, said the community was still grappling with fear following a series of violent incidents targeting traders.
She called for urgent measures to restore security and rebuild public confidence in law enforcement, including the possible redeployment of officers stationed in the area.
Growing Security Concerns in Macalder
Macalder, a busy gold-mining town in Nyatike Sub-County, has in recent months witnessed a rise in violent crime, with traders reporting frequent robberies and armed attacks.
Residents have repeatedly raised concerns over the circulation of illegal firearms and organised criminal gangs operating within the mining region.
Security officials say investigations into the latest violence will focus on both criminal networks responsible for the businessman’s killing and those who participated in the attack on the police station.
Authorities have since deployed additional security personnel to the area as tension remains high.
Police have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as the probe into the deadly unrest continues.
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