Lamu residents demand justice after man choked to death by police officers

Wednesday, 5th April 2023

Residents of Kijitoni area in Lamu County are demanding justice after two police officers reportedly choked a man to death on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs.

Witnesses said the two officers pounced on Miji Mohamed Aboud as he reportedly tried to swallow the drugs during an arrest.

In response, a mob quickly gathered and pursued the two police officers, killing one.

According to a report by Citizen TV, police backup arrived soon after and shot in the air to disperse the crowd, and in the process shocked a patient who was hospitalized in a nearby facility to death.

Tension remains high in the area as the residents demand accountability for the police actions.

The irate residents staged protests and lit bonfires in the area’s main road in a show of anger at the police’s actions. The police are yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the events that left three people dead and families in mourning.