The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Tension gripped Bangale in Tana River County after a large crowd reportedly stormed the local police station and freed a suspect who had been arrested over claims of plotting to incite ethnic violence.
According to police, the suspect, identified as a youth leader from the Wardei community, was arrested on Saturday morning during an operation led by the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO).
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Investigators allege the suspect was mobilising members of the Wardei community to target a neighbouring community, a move police say could have sparked deadly ethnic clashes if not disrupted.
During a search at the suspect’s residence, detectives reportedly recovered Sh340,000. Authorities believe the money was part of approximately Sh1 million allegedly set aside to facilitate the mobilisation of youths.
After the suspect was booked at Bangale Police Station, officers began transferring him to Madogo Police Station. However, before they could leave, an estimated 300 people gathered outside the station.
Police said the crowd blocked the station’s entrance and started hurling stones at officers in an attempt to force the suspect’s release.
Officers raised the alarm, prompting additional security personnel to respond. Police deployed tear gas and fired warning shots into the air in an effort to disperse the crowd, but the mob overpowered the officers and successfully rescued the suspect from custody.
Several rounds of ammunition were fired during the confrontation as police attempted to restore order.
The violence also left two police vehicles damaged. A Toyota Land Cruiser attached to Madogo Police Station and a Toyota Probox assigned to the Bangale Officer Commanding Station (OCS) had their windscreens shattered. No injuries were reported.
Reinforcements from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) based in Katumba later arrived and dispersed the crowd before they could block the busy Mwingi-Garissa highway.
Security officers have since stepped up patrols around Bangale Shopping Centre to prevent possible retaliatory attacks against homes and businesses belonging to members of the Degodia community.
Authorities say calm has since returned to the area, although security agencies are continuing efforts to trace and re-arrest the escaped suspect while identifying those who participated in the attack on the police station.
Local leaders condemned the incident, calling for the swift arrest and prosecution of everyone involved.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured the public that those responsible would be brought to justice.
“The suspect will be rearrested together with those who helped him escape. Our officers are on the ground pursuing crucial leads,” Nuno said.
The Bangale area has witnessed intermittent inter-community tensions in recent years, with security officials warning that political competition ahead of the 2027 General Election could further heighten the risk of conflict.
