4 chiefs attacked in Gatundu bhang bust

Four assistant-chiefs were on Monday morning attacked by a suspected bhang peddler and his brother as they raided the suspect’s home in Mang'u Kiambu County.

The four assistant chiefs; James Gitau Kamami (Mang'u), Francis Muhia (Mwea), Samuel Kamau (Mukurwe) and Joseph Kuria (Mitero) had raided the home of the suspected peddler Mr Mburu Tithu at around 5:30 am following a tip off.

However, as they attempted to arrest the suspect, who was screaming for help, his brother, who was armed with machetes, emerged from his house and charged at them. 

"He began attacking us and in the process managed to rescue his brother. He then gave him one of the machetes before they began attacking us," said Mukurwe Assistant Chief Samuel Kamau.

The four, who were not accompanied by police officers, sustained deep cuts on their limbs, ribs and heads. 

DEEP CUTS

Mr Kamami was hit on the ribs with a rungu, while his Mwea counterpart sustained deep cuts on the head and right hand.  Mr Kuria sustained cuts on the forehead.

After the attack, the four were rushed by officers who later arrived at the scene to Igegania Level Four Hospital where they received first aid before they were referred to Gatundu Level Four Hospital where they were treated and discharged.

Police said that five kilograms of bhang was recovered from the suspect's home.

Mr Samuel Kamau told the Nation that they raided the suspect's home without police officers after getting a tip off which required that they act fast.

MANHUNT

"We wanted to respond immediately because we stood a good chance of apprehending the suspect considering that the suspect's home is located near one of our colleague's home," said Mr Kamau.

He added that during a previous raid at the home, they did not get bhang. The four later recorded statements at Mwea Police Post.

Gatundu Police Commander Reuben Muli said a manhunt for the assailants had been launched.