Isiolo Officer hurt in shootout with gang ferrying bhang

The car in which suspected criminals were ferrying bhang before they were accosted by police officers in Merti, Isiolo County on March 29, 2020. A police officer was injured in the ensuing shootout. PHOTO | WAWERU WAIRIMU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The officer was injured in his hand and legs and was rushed to Merti Sub-County Hospital.
  • The abandoned vehicle was towed to Merti Police Station.
  • County Commissioner Herman Shambi warned residents locals against colluding with criminals.

A police officer was Sunday injured in a fire exchange with suspected criminals ferrying bhang in a vehicle in Merti, Isiolo County.

The officer, who was driving a police vehicle, was shot three times and is nursing injuries at the Isiolo Referral Hospital.

He had accompanied a senior police officer to track down the vehicle in Kom, about 20 kilometres from Merti town when the criminals ambushed them and started shooting.

The officer was injured in his hand and legs and was rushed to Merti Sub-County Hospital where the bullets were successfully removed before he was later taken to the referral hospital.

CAR ABANDONED

Isiolo County Commissioner Herman Shambi said the senior officer, who rushed his injured colleague to hospital, on returning back to the scene with reinforcement, found the vehicle abandoned after the gang fled.

Mr Shambi said a boda boda rider who was used to ferry the bhang consignment was shot dead in neighbouring Meru County.

“The criminals left the vehicle behind. Our officers immediately informed the Meru security team and one of the boda boda riders who reportedly ferried the bhang was shot dead,” said Mr Shambi.

SEARCH FOR OWNER

The administrator said the abandoned vehicle was towed to Merti Police Station and investigations to establish the owner immediately launched.

He warned residents locals against colluding with criminals, saying the officers could have been betrayed by members of the public who had earlier shared information on the criminals.

Isiolo County Health Chief Officer Ibrahim Alio confirmed to the Nation that the injured officer was rushed to the facility Sunday evening.