PS Omollo issues warning after 22 officers injured as group storms police station
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo speaks during the launch of the induction, paralegal and security management training for Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs at the National Police College, Embakasi A, in Nairobi on August 15, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Locals, who teamed up to push for justice for those maimed and killed during robberies, stormed the police station and vandalised property.
- Interior PS, Omollo, said the rule of law applies to everyone and that those taking the law in their hands would be arrested and prosecuted.
The Ministry of Interior has issued a warning after a march to push for justice for robbery victims turned ugly when a group stormed Macalder Police Station in Nyatike, Migori County, damaging property and injuring 22 officers on Friday.
The residents of Nyatike were protesting the rising crime in the region. Business owners complained of being targeted by criminals armed with guns and other weapons.
Some of the victims are in the gold business. The latest is a man named Peter Onyango, who was shot on Thursday night.
The locals, who teamed up to push for justice for those maimed and killed during robberies, stormed the police station and vandalised property.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner, Flora Mworoa, travelled from Kisumu to witness the extent of damage at the station. She admitted that parts of Migori have had security issues.
Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, said the government would not tolerate lawlessness.
“It was a very unfortunate incident. Security officers are handling the matter and the instructions are clear. Anyone involved in crime must face the full force of the law,” Dr Omollo said at a funeral in Nyakach, Kisumu County.
He added that the rule of law applies to everyone and that those taking the law in their hands would be arrested and prosecuted.
Station under attack
“It does not matter if you are an elected leader, an aspiring leader, a businessperson on an ordinary citizen. The rule of law must prevail,” Dr Omollo said.
Some residents said criminals armed with assault rifles attack shops, demanding money and other valuables. Whoever refuses to do as ordered gets shot.
The regional commissioner said police officers did not shoot anyone when the station came under attack. She, however, added that an operation against illegal arms would be conducted in Nyatike and other parts of Migori County.
According to police, the protest on Friday began at 9am. It was orderly and peaceful but turned ugly when some in the group stormed the station. They also got into the compound of the Nyatike Deputy County Commissioner.
According to the police report, officers repulsed the demonstrators. However, the rowdy youths regrouped and went back to the station.
They burnt a police vehicle and stoned others, shattering their windscreens.
An earthmover that had been towed to the station as an exhibit in a different matter was extensively damaged.
According to the police account, the report office and offices of the sub-county commander and the ward commander were also damaged.
Wave of crime
Six houses belonging to police officers were razed. Among the 22 injured officers, two were taken to Migori County Referral Hospital.
Police added that some locals may have been injured in the scuffle. Ms Mworoa described the incident as unfortunate.
“As much as the community has grievances, this is not the way to solve them. There are mechanisms for the public to forward grievances to relevant authorities. We have always listened to them and strive to solve the problems brought to us,” the administrator said.
Ms Mworoa added that investigations into the incident and the Thursday shooting have been launched.
Some locals accused unnamed politicians of having a hand in the wave of crime.
“I don’t know what a leader gains by being involved in destruction,” Ms Mworoa said.
Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed arrived demanded the transfer of police officers at the station. She said some have been there for years.
“I have talked to the authorities to transfer the officers but they say the process is being blocked. We want to know the person doing that,” she said, adding that residents must be assured of their security.
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