Panic broke out at a hotel in Kericho town on Thursday night when a police officer, who appeared to be off-duty, caused a disturbance that ended with him throwing a teargas canister into the crowded premises.

The dramatic incident left customers gasping for air, staff in shock, and many still searching for answers as police officials remained silent the following morning.

Officer Arrives in Civilian Clothes and Causes Trouble

Eyewitnesses say the man, dressed in plain clothes, entered the hotel with a woman companion. He is believed to be attached to a local police station.

At first, nothing seemed unusual. But soon after entering, he began to harass other patrons who were quietly enjoying their meals and drinks. His behavior quickly drew attention from both customers and hotel staff.

Customers Confront the Officer

Seeing the situation getting out of hand, hotel staff and some brave customers stepped in to confront the officer. They asked him to identify himself and explain why he was bothering people.

Instead of calming down, the officer became aggressive. Witnesses say he tried to fight some staff members. However, those present managed to subdue him and escort him outside.

Officer Issues Chilling Threat Before Leaving

Still angry, the officer threatened to come back with a gun and shoot those who had intervened. He then stormed out of the hotel, jumped on a waiting boda boda, and left.

Most people assumed he was just making empty threats—until he returned.

Shortly after leaving, the same officer came back. This time, he was carrying a teargas canister. Without saying a word, he hurled it inside the hotel, which was still full of people.

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Chaos and Panic Grip the Room

The canister released thick gas, which quickly filled the room. People began screaming and coughing. Some thought they were under attack and dived under tables, while others made a mad dash for the exits, nearly causing a stampede.

Those who remained inside struggled to breathe. They could be seen coughing, sneezing, and crying out in pain. One witness said,

“We were just having tea, then suddenly we couldn’t breathe. It was like a nightmare.”

Officer Flees the Scene Again

After throwing the canister, the officer fled the scene once more. He jumped on another boda boda and instructed the rider to speed off to an unknown location.

Inside the hotel, people were left confused, scared, and angry. Many rushed to get water to wash their faces and ease the pain caused by the gas.

No Police Statement Yet

By Friday morning, senior police officers in Kericho County had not yet issued any official statement about the incident. It is still unclear:

• Whether the officer has been identified
• If he has been arrested
• What steps are being taken to prevent such behavior in the future

Public Outrage Grows

Many locals are now calling for immediate action. Some say the officer must be held accountable and face serious consequences for endangering innocent lives.

“You can’t have someone walk into a hotel and throw teargas just because he’s angry,” said one resident. “That’s abuse of power.”

What started as a normal evening in a Kericho hotel turned into a scene of chaos and fear—all because of one uncontrolled police officer.

As the public waits for answers, many are wondering how safe everyday spaces really are when those tasked with protecting the public turn against it.