A police officer was almost lynched by irate members of the public after his attempt to extort a businessman flopped.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Police Inspector Davis Simiyu based at Kikuyu police station and two others stormed a liquor store in Runda, Thika demanding a bribe.
"Police Inspector Davis Simiyu in the company of two others who were lucky to escape, walked to Heisenberg wines and spirits masquerading as Kenya Revenue Authority officials
"After conducting a thorough ‘inspection’ of the liquor store, they turned to the owner David Mathenge and accused him of failing to issue ETR Tax invoices to customers and selling products with fake excise stamps, after which they demanded for a hefty bribe," DCI said in a statement.
As Simiyu and his accomplices harass the businessman, area residents around the business premises watched closely before striking.
"When Mathenge remained adamant that he was a diligent taxpayer operating his business legitimately, the three attempted to arrest him. However, his intuition had warned him that the three were thugs out to steal from him. He raised alarm
"This attracted the already agitated group of young men who came running, baying for the blood of the three. Two of the suspects managed to escape using a getaway car but Simiyu was cornered and given a thorough beating befitting a stray dog," the DCI added.
However, the officer was lucky after police officers patrolling the area rushed to the scene rescuing him from the angry mob.
It was later established that Simiyu is facing three court cases at the Nakuru and Milimani Law courts, for the offences of impersonating KRA officials.
Simiyu is currently in custody facing personation and forgery charges.
