Three police officers are recovering from serious burn injuries after being sprayed with acid by hostile residents while pursuing a suspect in the Ngara area of Nairobi on Monday, November 25.
According to media reports, the incident unfolded as officers Tom Mbuku, Moses LeLei, and Joyce Otieno were in pursuit of a suspect allegedly transporting stolen drugs from Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to Ngara Medical Centre.
Upon entering a facility, the suspect locked himself inside to prevent the officers from gaining entry.
Despite the officers’ attempts to force open the door and demand his surrender, they were unsuccessful.
Shortly thereafter, a woman emerged from the facility and sprayed the officers with a substance believed to be acid.
Following this brutal attack, a backup team arrived and quickly transported the injured officers, who sustained severe burns to their faces and limbs, to Nairobi West Hospital.
Additionally, four individuals inside the facility were arrested.
A report confirmed the recovery of five liters of suspected sulfuric acid and various drugs, which will be retained as evidence.
This incident highlights a troubling trend of violence against police officers during arrests.
In June 2024, for instance, a teenage motorist was filmed violently assaulting a policeman, a video that gained widespread attention.
The 19-year-old was captured punching and kicking the officer, even after he had fallen to the ground, before making his escape with the help of bystanders.
Moreover, in May 2022, six officers from the Kondoo police station in Uasin Gishu County were attacked by locals while attempting to apprehend an arson suspect, among other similar cases.
These incidents have sparked a wave of sympathy for the police, a force often criticized for its past issues of brutality and corruption.
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