KAKAMEGA, Kenya, Sept 20- A man was on Sunday evening killed and ten others arrested, during a mafia-like attempt to set free several suspects from police custody. The incident occurred along Kakamega-Mumias Road.
The suspects, police said wanted to set free their accomplices and a lorry that had earlier been impounded by detectives, ferrying 400 bags of uncustomed sugar.
The lorry, which had been impounded at Chwele police station, was being escorted to Kisumu under tight security by DCI detectives attached to Kenya Revenue Authority when it came under attack.
Over 20 vehicles and an unknown number of motorcycles whose number plates were concealed were used to barricade the road at Makunga shopping Centre in Kakamega County, with the gang attempting to seize the consignment and free the suspects.
In the ensuing melee, the DCI in a statement said one police officer was attacked and injured seriously by the gang. He sustained injuries on his chest and limbs.
Luckily, a contingent of police officers from Kakamega that was headed to Chwele reinforced the officers, restoring sanity and helping in the arrest of the suspects.
Three vehicles used by the suspects and a motorcycle were impounded and are currently at Kakamega police station.
The suspects are set to be processed at Kakamega police station ahead of arraignment on Monday.
Also recovered were crude weapons including sticks and rocks that were in the possession of the suspects.
The suspects were Monday expected in court to face various charges. Detectives are looking for more suspects involved in the drama.
Police say there has been a slight rise in the sale of uncustomed sugar in parts of the country amid operations by the taxman to address the menace.
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