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Angry residents today blocked the main Malindi Mombasa highway at Msabaha area protesting against the uncouth arrest of their colleague by police over a land dispute.
The residents barricaded the main highway by burning logs
and blocking motorists from crossing the area for over two hours causing a
major traffic jam.
Trouble allegedly started after police raided a home in
Pendukiani and arrested Baraka Gona over a land dispute that they have with a
tycoon claiming ownership.
According to his wife Modesta Stephen, the heavily armed police officers broke into their house at night and dragged him while naked in front of his family at night then tortured him before finally arresting him.
When journalists arrived at the scene, in the wee hours, there was a heavy traffic jam from both sides as vehicles could not cross due to the logs that were burning along the way.
Some motorists opted to use other routes off-road but those
who were not conversant with the area had to remain there until the situation
was calm as tension was very high.
“We have closed the road because our brother was arrested by
the police over a land dispute. The local chief is aware of it, the county
commissioner also knows it,” Omar Kahindi Gona a resident, told journalists.
Malindi Sub County Police commander John Kemboi when
contacted for comment said he was off duty but promised to send security to
open up the highway.
Later locals said on the phone that the police lobbed
teargas canisters and shot in the air to disperse them but arrested five
people.
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