Police Officer Arrested After Opening Fire at Raila Security

A prison guard working at Lodwar GK prison has been apprehended after attempting to attack the security team of Azimio leader Raila Odinga moments before his arrival at Lodwar Airstrip in Turkana.

As per a statement to Lodwar Police Station, a group of police officers led by the Sub County Police Commander, Lemmy Njiru, encountered an unwarranted disturbance during their morning patrol of the airstrip. The team responsible for escorting Raila to the Turkana Cultural Festival later that day was disrupted by a prison guard dressed in plain clothes, brandishing a G3 rifle. This official fired a singular round into the air while inching closer to Raila’s security team. Njiru and the concerned team acted swiftly, converging to capture the prison guard.

The suspect was disarmed and taken into custody at Lodwar Police Station, where it was later discovered that he was a prison guard stationed at Lodwar GK Prison. Detectives at the station have yet to determine the motive behind the incident. In the midst of chaos at the event, his security swiftly escorted him away. This was a result of certain Jubilee leaders criticizing the former prime minister for neglecting the Turkana community, which led to a clash between their supporters and Raila’s loyalists.

As a result of the chaos, the meeting was adjourned by Turkana Central MP Joseph Emathe. Raila later addressed the constituents outside of the venue and placed blame on President William Ruto for his difficulties. The former Prime Minister made allegations that the head of state had incited Turkana leaders against him. Ruto has not yet responded to these accusations.