Why we shot Lamu senator’s father – Police

Police have denied allegations that they shot the father of Lamu Senator Anwar Loitiptip for not wearing a face mask.

Lioitiptip had alleged Monday, May 18, that his father, David Kiwaka, was shot in the leg by police, who accused him (Kiwaka) of not wearing a face mask in compliance with COVID-19 safety measures.

Police now claim Kiwaka, 60, and nine others had attempted to stop law enforcement officers from arresting an assault suspect at Kiwanja Ndege area in Laikipia North on Sunday, May 17.

Laikipia County Commander, Maxwell Nyaema, told K24 Digital that in the resultant melee, Kiwaka whipped out a Maasai sword and cut the arm of a police officer who was effecting the arrest.

It was then that one of the cops shot in the air, and another shot Kiwaka’s leg to neutralize the aggression.

“We had to shoot him in the leg to stop him from attacking another police officer,” said Nyaema.

Both Kiwaka and his victim were treated at Dol dol Hospital before being transferred to the Nanyuki Level 5 Hospital.

The injured police officer remains admitted at the medical facility, whereas Kiwaka was transferred to Cottage Hospital in Nanyuki.

Senator Loitiptip maintains that his father was “mistreated” by the cops, and that he wants thorough investigations about the shooting incident conducted.

Kiwaka, a former councilor in Laikipia County, was shot in the right lower limb, said Loitiptip.

According to the legislator, his parent, was “attacked for not wearing a face mask”. The senator made the remarks in Nanyuki on Monday, May 18.

Police say the suspect, once discharged from hospital, will be arraigned for willfully obstructing a police officer in due execution of the police officers duties contrary to Section 103 (a) of the National Police Service Act.