Three police officers were injured on Wednesday, January 21, after a knife-wielding suspect attacked them while resisting arrest in Makutano town, West Pokot County, triggering panic among residents and a swift security response.
The incident occurred in the Joyland area of Makutano after members of the public alerted officers at Makutano Police Station about a man who was causing a disturbance and chasing people while armed with a knife.
Police said officers were immediately dispatched to the scene to restore order and apprehend the suspect.
According to police, the situation escalated rapidly when officers attempted to restrain the suspect. He reportedly turned violent and launched an attack using the knife, injuring three officers in the process.
“Our officers responded swiftly to a distress call from members of the public. However, during the arrest attempt, the suspect became aggressive and attacked the officers with a knife, leaving three of them injured,” a senior police officer confirmed.
The attack caused temporary chaos in the area as residents scattered for safety. Police reinforcements were later deployed, and the suspect was eventually subdued and taken into custody.
A rescue team arrived shortly after the incident and evacuated the injured officers to Kapenguria Referral Hospital for medical treatment. Police later confirmed that two of the officers were treated and discharged, while one officer remains admitted but is in stable condition.
Authorities said the motive behind the suspect’s violent behaviour is yet to be established, noting that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the attack was premeditated or linked to other criminal activity.
The suspect remains in police custody as detectives record statements and compile evidence ahead of possible prosecution.
Police have since warned members of the public against confronting armed individuals, urging residents to immediately report such incidents to authorities rather than attempting to intervene.
Under Section 103 of the National Police Service Act, attacking or resisting a police officer in the execution of duty is a serious criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to Ksh1 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
The Penal Code also criminalises resisting or obstructing a police officer, with offenders liable to imprisonment or other penalties depending on the circumstances of the offence.
In addition, threatening members of the public with a weapon such as a knife is itself an offence under both the Penal Code and the Public Order Act. Kenyan law prohibits carrying offensive weapons in public without lawful justification and criminalises behaviour intended to cause fear, alarm, or public disorder.
Legal experts note that where a weapon is used and injuries are sustained, suspects may face more severe charges, including assault causing bodily harm or grievous harm, depending on the extent of injuries suffered by victims.
Police said the suspect’s case will be processed in accordance with the law once investigations are complete, adding that additional charges may be preferred based on the findings.
The incident has reignited concerns about rising cases of violent confrontations involving armed suspects and the risks faced by police officers in the line of duty, particularly in rapidly developing urban centres and market towns.
Authorities have assured residents of Makutano and surrounding areas that security has been reinforced and urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious behaviour promptly.
According to police, the situation escalated rapidly when officers attempted to restrain the suspect. He reportedly turned violent and launched an attack using the knife, injuring three officers in the process.
“Our officers responded swiftly to a distress call from members of the public. However, during the arrest attempt, the suspect became aggressive and attacked the officers with a knife, leaving three of them injured,” a senior police officer confirmed.
The attack caused temporary chaos in the area as residents scattered for safety. Police reinforcements were later deployed, and the suspect was eventually subdued and taken into custody.
A rescue team arrived shortly after the incident and evacuated the injured officers to Kapenguria Referral Hospital for medical treatment. Police later confirmed that two of the officers were treated and discharged, while one officer remains admitted but is in stable condition.
Authorities said the motive behind the suspect’s violent behaviour is yet to be established, noting that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the attack was premeditated or linked to other criminal activity.
The suspect remains in police custody as detectives record statements and compile evidence ahead of possible prosecution.
Police have since warned members of the public against confronting armed individuals, urging residents to immediately report such incidents to authorities rather than attempting to intervene.
Under Section 103 of the National Police Service Act, attacking or resisting a police officer in the execution of duty is a serious criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to Ksh1 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
The Penal Code also criminalises resisting or obstructing a police officer, with offenders liable to imprisonment or other penalties depending on the circumstances of the offence.
In addition, threatening members of the public with a weapon such as a knife is itself an offence under both the Penal Code and the Public Order Act. Kenyan law prohibits carrying offensive weapons in public without lawful justification and criminalises behaviour intended to cause fear, alarm, or public disorder.
Legal experts note that where a weapon is used and injuries are sustained, suspects may face more severe charges, including assault causing bodily harm or grievous harm, depending on the extent of injuries suffered by victims.
Police said the suspect’s case will be processed in accordance with the law once investigations are complete, adding that additional charges may be preferred based on the findings.
The incident has reignited concerns about rising cases of violent confrontations involving armed suspects and the risks faced by police officers in the line of duty, particularly in rapidly developing urban centres and market towns.
Authorities have assured residents of Makutano and surrounding areas that security has been reinforced and urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious behaviour promptly.