Drama as Angry Police Officer Lobs Teargas Canister Inside Kericho Hotel

Panic gripped a busy hotel in Kericho town on Thursday night after a police officer, believed to be off-duty, hurled a teargas canister into the building following a heated altercation with staff and patrons.

According to eyewitness accounts, the officer—who was dressed in civilian attire and is reportedly attached to a nearby police station—arrived at the hotel accompanied by a woman. Moments after taking a seat, the officer began to harass other customers who were quietly enjoying their meals.

Hotel management and concerned patrons confronted the officer and requested that he identify himself and explain his behavior. Rather than comply, the officer became belligerent and attempted to physically assault staff members. He was overpowered and ejected from the premises.

Enraged, the officer allegedly threatened to retrieve a firearm from his station and return to the hotel. He then left the scene aboard a boda boda motorcycle.

Witnesses say that not long after, the officer came back—this time with a teargas canister in hand. Without any warning, he manually threw the canister into the crowded hotel, causing chaos and confusion.

Thick smoke quickly engulfed the dining area. Fearing for their lives, some customers took cover under tables while others rushed toward the exits in a near-stampede. Those caught inside struggled to breathe amid uncontrollable coughing and sneezing.

The officer fled once again, jumping on a waiting boda boda and disappearing into the night.

As of Friday morning, no formal statement had been issued by senior police officers in the region, and the identity of the rogue officer remained undisclosed.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents and renewed calls for stricter oversight and psychological screening of law enforcement officers.

In other news:Ruto Criticised Over Plans to Construct Ksh1.2 Billion Church at State House

Drama as Angry Police Officer Lobs Teargas Canister Inside Kericho Hotel