Police in Number Okana, Nyando, in Kisumu County, on Tuesday night, shot and seriously injured two men who are now receiving treatment at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The police are said to have opened fire at a crowd that had tried to attack them when they were pursuing suspects ferrying illicit brew.
Kisumu County Police Commander Benson Maweu confirmed the incident noting that the officers were in a car chase which had started after a driver defied orders to stop.
Maweu stated the officers caught up with the driver at the center along the Kisumu-Nairobi Road attracting the attention of the public.
The police boss claimed that the crowd moved in to defend the suspects by attacking the officers who were forced to fire in self-defense.
In the commotion that ensued, the suspects ferrying the illicit liquor managed to escape leaving behind their vehicle.
One officer was also injured and his gun magazine stolen.
Maweu also confirmed that the two were receiving treatment under police supervision and are expected to be charged in court.
“They’re liable for aiding the suspects’ escape, attacking police officers and will be held responsible for the lost magazine,” he added.
The abandoned vehicle was towed to the Ahero Police Station as police launched a manhunt for the escaped suspects.
