31 youths arrested after attack on Farouk Kibet bodyguard over money in Lugari
Police arrested 31 youths following an alleged attack on a security aide and damage to two vehicles after a fundraising event at Kingdom Sons Academy in Lugari Sub-County, Kakamega County.
The incident occurred at around 3:40 p.m. on Sunday an involved a police bodyguard attached to presidential aide Farouk Kibet.
Police said the bodyguard was attacked by a group of youths after dropping Kibet and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah at a helicopter following the fundraising event.
He was reportedly on his way to a church to retrieve a phone belonging to Ichung’wah, which had allegedly been left behind.
It was then he was blocked by a group of suspected goons who demanded money they claimed had been left for them by the visiting leaders.
This prompted a siege for some minutes before the bodyguard managed to escape after drawing his pistol, while colleagues in two vehicles moved in to reinforce him.
During the incident, one of the aides was hit on the head by a stone. He was rushed to Village of Hope Hospital in Musembe, where he was treated and discharged in stable condition.
Police said two vehicles were damaged in the confrontation. The two four-wheel drive cars had their windscreens damaged in the chaos.
A team of police officers who were still at the fundraising church, visited the scene but found that the youths had already dispersed.
The team later visited the area and ordered an operation that resulted in the arrest of 31 youths.
The suspects were held pending interrogation and are expected to face charges relating to the alleged assault, malicious damage to property and other offences, depending on the outcome of investigations.
This is the latest such drama where goons block roads or invade events demanding money. Last week, at least 12 people were arrested after they blocked the gate to an event where First Lady Rachael Ruto was in Siaya County.
The group was demanding handouts when they laid a siege at the gate prompting the police operations.
There have been calls for decisive action to be taken to address the menace.
