Justus Kamugisha
Holding up signs baring anti-police slogans and armed with sticks and stones, the villagers matched along the busy Tarime-Mwanza Road close to the Kenyan border.
As the demonstration turned from peaceful to violent, business were brought to a standstill for hours as anti-riot police engaged the irate villagers first with tear gas and then, allegedly with live rounds.
Detailing, the Zonal Police Commander Justus Kamugisha said that at least 18 people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The arrested suspects include a primary school teacher and school’s director all were from a owned Makima Academy whom they are accused of masterminding the public disorder.
According to Kamugisha the teacher, one Julius Makima (42) a Sirari resident, was arrested following the outcome of preliminary investigations which revealed that he was allegedly organised and mobilised villagers to take to the streets.
The villagers blocked the highway burning tires and barring pedestrians and commuter buses from crossing to either side of the Kenyan-Tanzanian border.
They were protesting the death of one Tandika Muserega (23) a Sirari resident who they claim died while in police custody implicating police involvement.
The suspect was arrested last week at the border town allegedly for gambling and been in possession of street drugs, bhang. He was taken to Sirari Police Station where it is reported that he developed chest complications during the ensuing interrogations.
He was rushed to Tarime District Hospital but died during treatment.
Following the incident in which no fatalities or even severe injuries are reported and the monetary value of the damage is yet to be estimated, Kamugisha urged wananchi to be patience and give police time to investigate the incident.
He however did not comment on the alleged firing of live rounds by police.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
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