A police officer is receiving treatment for serious head injuries after he was allegedly attacked with a machete while officers attempted to arrest a wanted suspect in Butula, Busia County. The suspect was eventually subdued and taken into custody following a confrontation that also left a police-issued G3 rifle damaged.
Highlights
- A police constable suffered two deep cuts to the head during the operation.
- The incident happened in Murumba, Butula, on Sunday evening.
- The suspect was wanted over an alleged assault on his father.
- A G3 rifle was reportedly cut into two pieces during the confrontation.
- The suspect was arrested and is being held at Bumala Police Station.
Main Story
Officer Injured During Arrest
A police operation in Butula, Busia County, turned violent on Sunday evening after a wanted suspect allegedly attacked an officer with a machete.
The incident happened on September 27 in Murumba, where officers from Bumala Police Station had gone to support colleagues from Murumba Police Post in an attempt to arrest the suspect.
The suspect, identified by police as 36-year-old Stephen Okinda, was being sought in connection with an alleged assault involving his father on September 22.
Previous Arrest Attempt
Police had reportedly attempted to arrest Okinda at his home on September 23.
However, officers said he allegedly confronted them while armed with a machete, forcing them to retreat from the area.
Four days later, officers returned after Murumba Police Post requested additional support to help apprehend him.
Machete Attack Leaves Officer Seriously Injured
During the operation, police said Okinda allegedly attacked one of the constables, striking him twice on the left side of his head.
The officer sustained two deep wounds and was initially taken to Pamako Medical Centre for treatment.
He was later transferred to Life Care Hospital in Bungoma for specialised medical attention. Police described his condition as serious.
Rifle Damaged During Confrontation
The confrontation also reportedly damaged a G3 rifle belonging to another officer.
According to police, the suspect struck the firearm with the machete, splitting it into two pieces.
Four officers discharged their firearms during the confrontation as they attempted to bring the situation under control.
Suspect Arrested
Police eventually managed to overpower Okinda and place him under arrest.
He was taken to Bumala Police Station, where he remains in custody as investigations continue.
The case is expected to focus on the alleged assault, the attack on the police officer and the reported damage to government property.
The incident is a reminder of how quickly arrest operations can turn dangerous for both officers and suspects when confrontations escalate.
