KDF officer killed in Kipkelion West bar brawl, homes torched in retaliation

A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer lost his life following a violent altercation at Mtaragon trading centre in Kipkelion West constituency on Saturday night.

Kericho County Police Commander James Ngetich confirmed that the officer was drinking at a local establishment when he got into an argument with a group of young people.

The confrontation quickly became violent, with additional people joining in and severely assaulting the officer.

Despite efforts by other patrons to rescue him and rush him to the hospital, the officer died from his injuries before receiving medical attention.

By morning, enraged members of the public launched a retaliatory search for the suspects.

Failing to locate them, they set fire to their homes and business premises, escalating tensions in the area.

Several structures were reported to be ablaze as security forces were deployed to restore order.