A police officer attached to Loruk Police Station in Marigat, Bungoma County was saved by his colleagues from the wrath of an angry mob following a love triangle altercation.
According to a police report obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the officer had taken a few days off due to sickness and was resting at his home when he realised that a group of residents was pacing in his direction in anger.
Armed with chants and weapons, the mob sought to deliver justice to the officer over accusations of stabbing a Bungoma-based businessman's buttocks using a knife over having an affair with his lover.
The youth, who were approximately 150 members, demanded the officer to step outside to answer for the allegations. Fearing for his life, the officer called for backup while hiding inside the house.
Minutes later, the National Police Service (NPS) officers under the command of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Bumula Oscar Mutakha responded swiftly and arrived at the scene to calm the situation.
They fired gunshots in the air to disperse the angry youth, while ordering the mob to cease.
The officer, who was holed up in the house, was rescued by the officers who took him into custody over the accusations. He was placed in cuffs and taken to Bumula Police Station.
The officer is expected to appear in Bungoma-based court to answer the charges levelled.
"The victim (Bungoma businessman) was rushed to Bumula Sub-County hospital where he was treated and discharged in fair a condition," read part of the police report.
Police work is characterised as a high-risk level job whereby officers are required to cope with pressure while maintaining law and order. This has led to a rise in cases of suicide, homicide, assault and marital abuse.
According to data from NPS, at least 12,000 cops face challenges dealing with mental health issues. To mitigate the situation, the cops undergo therapy sessions to cope with the challenges.
Counselors, medics, and psychologists recommend seeking help whenever you experience any mental health issue. Call the Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.
