A dramatic security operation unfolded in Bangale, Tana River County, after a mob of about 300 people stormed the local police station and freed a suspect who had been arrested over alleged plans to incite ethnic violence.
The suspect, identified as Ismail Abdille, described by police as a Wardei youth leader, was arrested early Saturday morning by detectives led by the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO). Police allege he was involved in mobilising members of the Wardei community against the neighbouring Degodia community.
During the arrest, officers reportedly recovered Sh340,000 from the suspect’s house, which investigators believe was part of Sh1 million allegedly intended to finance the mobilisation of youths.
After being processed at Bangale Police Station, the suspect was being escorted to Madogo Police Station when a crowd of about 300 people descended on the station. The mob blocked the main gate and began pelting officers with stones in an apparent attempt to secure the suspect’s release.
Police responded by firing teargas canisters and warning shots into the air, but the crowd overwhelmed the officers and succeeded in rescuing the suspect from lawful custody.
During the confrontation, officers fired 120 rounds of ammunition in efforts to calm the situation.
Two police vehicles—a Toyota Land Cruiser attached to Madogo Police Station and a Toyota Probox belonging to the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Bangale—had their windscreens smashed by the mob.
No injuries were reported.
Reinforcements from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) at Katumba later arrived and dispersed the crowd before they could block the Mwingi-Garissa highway.
Police have since intensified patrols around Bangale Shopping Centre to prevent retaliatory attacks on homes and businesses belonging to members of the Degodia community.
Authorities said the security situation has since stabilised, although efforts are underway to re-arrest the escaped suspect and investigate those involved in the attack on the police station.
Local leaders condemned the incident and called for urgent actions to ensure those behind it are arrested and prosecuted.
Coast police commander Ali Nuno said they were looking for all those involved in the saga. He said a team was pursuing crucial leads into the attack.
“The suspect will be arrested with the gang that freed him. We have a team on the ground,” he said.
The area has been experiencing sporadic clashes pitting communities living there.
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