Police officer arrested for allegedly participating in Makueni demos

A police officer has been arrested for allegedly participating in the ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Emali, Makueni County.

Police said the constable was arrested by his colleagues after he was found talking to a group of young men who were blocking the busy Nairobi - Mombasa highway and throwing stones at motorists in Emali Town on Thursday.

The matter was reported at Emali police station as the arrest of a police officer under OB 15/20/7/2023.

Police said the officer was also found in possession of 40 rolls of bhang worth Sh2,000, street value, during his arrest.

"Please be informed that an officer of this command was arrested today, the 20th day of July 2023 along Mombasa - Nairobi highway at Emali talking to a group of young men who were blocking the road and throwing stones at motorists. The said officer was also seen by his colleagues yesterday 19/07/2023 being among the rioters who were pelting stones at Emali police station and police officers," a police report seen by the Star dated July 20, 2023," read in part.

"During his arrest after a quick search, he was found in possession of 40 rolls of bhang (cannabis sativa) of street value approximated to be Sh2, 000."

The suspect has since been placed under lawful police custody.

Police said they had launched investigations into the incident.