Six police officers were injured after they were attacked by a group of about 200 youths illegally harvesting tea at a James Finlay farm in Bomet County.
The violent confrontation occurred on Monday as the offices stormed the farm to disperse the youths from Chemasingi tea estate in Chepchabas civic ward.
Bomet County Police Commander Mathew Mangira confirmed the incident, saying two of the cops were badly injured.
“Two of the six police officers who sustained injuries are in a bad state. They were rushed to Chebitet Health Centre and Central Hospital owned by Ekattera tea company before being transferred to Kericho County Referral Hospital for specialised treatment,” the police boss said.
The victims were among 14 police officers who responded to the farm following Monday’s invasion.
The officers used teargas to disperse the youths but were cornered when their vehicle got stuck in the mud.
The attackers caught up with the officers and began pelting them with stones, police said.
During the confrontation, one suspect is reported to have drowned in Itare River, Konoin Constituency, as he fled from the security officers.
A 16-year-old boy was also shot in the abdomen and is receiving treatment at Kericho County Referral Hospital.
Mangira revealed that a police vehicle attached to Mogogosiek Police Division Headquarters was also torched by the angry youths.
“The Toyota Landcruiser attached to Mogogosiek police divisional headquarters in Konoin has been towed to Mara Mara police station,” Mangira added.
