Stern action has been taken against General Service Unit (GSU) officers in Mumias, Kakamega County following accusations of brutality and sexual harassment during an operation in search of stolen rifles and ammunition.
The service men, who allegedly burnt a motorcycle mechanic alive, were on Friday withdrawn from the operation which turned out chaotic.
Head of the operation Tito Kilonzi divulged that: "We have decided to drop the reinforcement that we had brought from across Kakamega County to help us recover the guns after they did their bit as planned."
Mr Kilonzi acknowleged that they had received reports of the brutality noting: "That houses were torched, property snatched and women raped by police could be allegations. I encourage aggrieved citizens to approach us (police) and we assure that any officer in the operation found in breach of code would be dealt with."
The 36-year-old mechanic, Stanley Namayi, sustained 80 percent burn and unfortunately died while receiving treatment at St Mary's Hospital.
According to reports, Namayi's workshop at Shibale market in Mumias was set ablaze while he was inside. The fire destroyed 10 motorcycles and other property belonging to his clients.
Michael Mugo the administrator at the hospital stated: “It is unfortunate. We tried our best but he succumbed to the more than 80 per cent burns.”
The officers were also accused of raping women and physically attacking locals while combing the villages in in Mumias West, Mumias East and Matungu constituencies for the guns and bullets stolen form Booker Police Post on Tuesday.
There was an outcry in the area over the brutality with leaders demanding the Government to compensate the residents over the destruction caused by the service men.
Mumias West MP John Naicca swore to sue the state highlighting: "Our people must be compensated for the loss and torture they suffered. It is shameful that President Uhuru was in western yesterday (Thursday) but uttered nothing concerning this torture."
