Chaos erupted in parts of Nyatike Sub-County in Migori County on Friday after a protest over a robbery incident turned violent, leaving at least 22 police officers injured and property destroyed at Macalder Police Station.
Police said the demonstration began peacefully at around 9:00 a.m. but later turned chaotic when a group of youths stormed the police station and the office of the Deputy County Commissioner.
The group had been protesting against a surge in crime in the area, police said.
The protest was sparked by anger among residents following a robbery with violence incident in which an M-Pesa agent identified as Peter Onyango was shot on the night of March 12.
Police said Onyango was shot during the robbery.
The incident angered residents, who staged a protest demanding justice for the killing.
Police said officers initially managed to disperse the crowd, but the protesters later regrouped and forced their way into the police station compound, where property was vandalised and vehicles set ablaze.
Among the property destroyed was a Toyota Land Cruiser, which was completely burnt.
A Ford Ranger belonging to the station was also badly damaged after its windscreen and windows were shattered with stones, its body dented and doors destroyed.
An excavator, at the station, had all its windows and door panes shattered.
Several offices within the station were also vandalised, including the report office, the Officer Commanding Station’s office and the Sub-County Police Commander’s office. The door to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations exhibit store was also damaged.
Six houses belonging to police officers were also burnt during the violence, leaving the affected families with nothing salvaged.
Police said 22 officers sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Authorities believe several members of the public may also have been injured during the clashes, although the exact number remains unknown.
Security has since been reinforced in the area as investigations into the incident continue.
Police said they are pursuing suspects believed to have participated in the destruction of government property.
Police said the robbery incident that triggered the protest occurred on March 12, 2026.
The victim, Peter Onyango, a 30-year-old M-Pesa agent, raised the alarm when two armed men stormed the shop, brandishing an AK-47 assault rifle and demanding money.
The attackers fired three shots during the incident. Onyango was shot on the right side of the chest and rushed to Migori County Referral Hospital in critical condition, but succumbed to his injuries on the way.
Police officers recovered one spent 7.92 mm special cartridge and a yellow helmet believed to have been left behind by the assailants. The suspects escaped on a motorcycle without registration plates.
The body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy.