Katakwi police on Tuesday this week shot at and critically injured 5 people. All these are residents of Olupe village, Ngariam County, Katakwi district.
They were part of a highly charged mob that was advancing toward Katakwi district police headquarters.
Eyewitnesses identified the injured as Amodoi Richard, Malinga Joseph, Moru Sam, and Oboi Sam. They were shot on their buttocks and legs and one sustained an injury on the head.
They were then taken to Katakwi main hospital for management and later on transferred to Soroti referral Hospital. One of the ring leaders Ojirot Joseph, 22yrs was shot in the leg and detained but later transferred to Katakwi Astu hospital where he is being managed.
The furious mob were armed with pangas, sticks, knives, and stones. They hoped to set free from katakwi cells 3 suspects who had earlier been arrested by Soroti regional police on allegations of burning a one Amanu’s home, also a resident of Olupe and property to ashes. This was all as due to land wrangles.
Background:
Over time, the community in Olupe is accusing Amanu of threatening to evict them from their land. In addition, they claim the perpetrator is also tormenting them.
There is an existing case in court between Amanu and the people living in Olupe town board. Amanu filed a case of criminal trespass on his land threatening to expel them.
It’s on that note that the communities are tired of continuous arrests, masterminded by Amanu. They are accusing police of collaborating with Amanu to conduct unnecessary arrests on the so-called “intruders” on his land.
On the fateful day yesterday, the Police team from the regional office rushed and conducted arrests in Olupe. They met with great resistance from the community and only managed to arrest three suspects.
The LCV Katakwi, Geoffrey Omolo, has appealed to the community not to take the law into their hands and called for calm. He also condemned the shooting which was direct to the people.
Source: Newslex Point
