Tension gripped Archers Post in Samburu County this past weekend after a tragic road accident involving an Administration Police (AP) officer left a young man dead, triggering a wave of public outrage and protests.
The incident, which occurred along the Isiolo-Marsabit highway, has exposed the deep-seated frustrations of residents over what they describe as a pattern of impunity and recklessness among law enforcement officers operating in the area.
According to eyewitness reports, the AP officer was allegedly driving under the influence when he rammed into a boda boda rider, killing him on the spot. The victim, a well-known and respected youth in the community, was reportedly heading home from work when tragedy struck. The officer was arrested shortly after the incident, but this did little to calm the storm brewing in the streets.
Within hours of the arrest, angry residents descended upon the local police station, demanding immediate justice and full accountability.
Chanting slogans and holding placards bearing the victim’s name, the demonstrators called for a transparent investigation and decried what they described as a culture of cover-ups whenever uniformed officers are involved in fatal incidents.
“We are tired of burying our youth while those responsible walk free. This must end now!” one protestor shouted during the demonstration.
The growing unrest prompted the swift deployment of additional police officers to guard the station and restore order. Local leaders, including area MCA and religious figures, have since called for calm while urging the authorities to ensure a speedy and fair trial.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed it is investigating the matter. As pressure mounts on law enforcement to act transparently, the Archers Post tragedy has reignited national conversations around police accountability, justice for victims, and the rights of civilians in the face of state power.
