A police constable sustained serious head injuries after he was allegedly attacked with a machete while officers attempted to arrest a wanted suspect in Butula, Busia County.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening, September 27, at Murumba, where officers from Bumala Police Station had been deployed to reinforce colleagues from Murumba Police Post.
Police identified the suspect as Stephen Ouma Okinda, 36, who was wanted over an alleged assault on his father on September 22.
Officers had reportedly gone to his home on September 23 to arrest him, but withdrew after he allegedly threatened them with a machete.
They returned on Sunday following a request for reinforcement from officers at Murumba Police Post.
During the operation, Okinda allegedly attacked one of the constables, striking him twice on the left side of the head with a machete.
The officer sustained two deep cuts and was taken to Pamako Medical Centre for first aid before being transferred to Life Care Hospital in Bungoma for specialised treatment.
Police said the officer was in serious condition.
The confrontation also left a G3 rifle damaged after the suspect allegedly struck the firearm with the machete, cutting it into two pieces.
Four officers reportedly discharged their firearms during the confrontation in an attempt to subdue the suspect.
Police eventually overpowered and arrested Okinda. He was taken to Bumala Police Station, where he remained in custody pending further investigations and court proceedings.
In a separate incident in Kipkelion, Kericho County, a police constable sustained a head injury after suspected looters allegedly attacked officers who had responded to a road accident at the Tunnel area.
The officers had gone to the scene of an accident involving a Howo trailer when they encountered a group allegedly looting iron sheets from the vehicle.
Police said the group became hostile and began throwing stones at the officers. One constable was struck on the forehead.
He was taken to Fort Ternan Sub-County Hospital before being referred to Siloam Hospital in Kericho for further treatment.
Police have launched investigations into both incidents.
