Prison Officer Arrested for Teargas Attack on Kericho Hotel
A prison warder was arrested Thursday, July 10, for allegedly throwing a teargas canister into a Kericho hotel after staff denied him entry. The incident occurred at Specific Hotel on the night of July 3, 2024.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Kericho East apprehended the suspect, who works at Kericho medium prison. The officer reportedly hurled the teargas device into the hotel premises following a dispute over entry denial.
The teargas explosion created chaos at the popular establishment, though authorities have not yet disclosed details about injuries or property damage. Hotel management had allegedly refused the warder access to the premises before the incident escalated.
DCI officers launched an investigation immediately after the July 3 attack. The week-long probe led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the prison officer. Investigators are examining the circumstances that led to the confrontation between the warder and hotel staff.
The case highlights growing concerns about misconduct among correctional facility employees. Prison warders undergo training in crowd control and chemical agents, making the alleged misuse of teargas particularly serious.
Authorities have not announced formal charges against the suspect. The investigation continues as police gather additional evidence and witness statements. The arrested officer remains in custody pending court proceedings.
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