A police constable in Bomet County, Kenya, is fighting for his life after being allegedly assaulted by a fellow officer during a station handover dispute. Constable Vincent Langat, based at Sigor Police Station, was rushed to Top Hill Hospital in Uasin Gishu County, where he underwent emergency neurosurgery after sustaining critical trauma to the head. The altercation occurred on October 30 during a routine shift transition at the station.
According to reports, an argument flared up between Langat and a colleague over a work-related matter, culminating in Langat being forcefully shoved against a concrete wall. Langat's family has accused station commanders of negligence, claiming the injured officer was abandoned in his living quarters for over 14 hours without medical attention. Relatives were only contacted the following morning and told to collect him because he was "unwell."
Langat's family members were summoned to Sigor Police Station to take him home under the impression that he was merely sick. However, upon arrival, they found him disoriented and writhing in severe pain. Langat was initially brought to his residence before being rushed to Longisa County Referral Hospital, where a CT scan revealed acute head trauma and possible intracranial bleeding.
Langat was immediately referred to AGC Tenwek Hospital and later transferred to Top Hill Hospital in Eldoret for specialized surgical intervention. According to an administrator at Top Hill Hospital, "The patient underwent head surgery and is responding well to treatment under close medical supervision." The incident has sparked an investigation, with Chepalungu Sub-County Police Commander Joseph Asugo confirming that an active probe is underway.
Commander Asugo stated that the matter was formally recorded, and an investigation has been launched. Internal disciplinary action will be taken against the officer accused of assaulting his peer while on duty. However, the victim's family has lodged an additional report at Langas Police Station in Eldoret, raising serious questions over why the injured constable was not taken straight to a medical facility despite possessing full coverage under the Social Health Authority.
The family has also demanded to know why the suspect remains on active duty without being placed under arrest. They have accused the police of inhumane treatment, stating that leaving an officer with traumatic head injuries unattended in his quarters for hours before asking relatives to fetch him highlights severe administrative lapses and points to an attempt to sweep the incident under the rug.
The incident has raised concerns about police conduct and the handling of internal disputes. The family is seeking answers and justice for Langat, who is still recovering from his injuries. The police have assured that the investigation is ongoing and that action will be taken against those responsible.
Key points
- The incident highlights the need for improved police conduct and handling of internal disputes.
- The victim's family has accused the police of negligence and inhumane treatment.
- An investigation has been launched, and internal disciplinary action will be taken against the officer accused of assault.
