Political leaders in Kisumu have condemned Tuesday’s shooting of a Form Two student in the lakeside city and called for immediate arrest of police officers involved.
Two people are currently receiving treatment at Kisumu County Hospital while another is at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The leaders noted that they will not accept police brutality within Kisumu and immediate action must be taken against the officers involved in the heinous act.
Governor Anyang Nyong’o described the incident as sad and sent a message of condolence to the family of the girl who died during the chaos and wished the injured a quick recovery.
Nyong’o said police ought to have used tear gas instead of live bullets during their confrontation with the matatu operators and Jua Kali artisans.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron accompanied by other local leaders met Regional Police Commander and county commander over the incident.
They expressed their dissatisfaction with the conduct of the police saying what transpired was unacceptable.
After meeting the police bosses, Oron said they have been told that police officers involved in the incident already recorded statements and will face the law.
“The police bosses have told us that they have referred the case to IPOA who has taken the matter up with the DCI and will keep us posted.”
Oron said they will not rest until the officers are brought to book.
“We need to ensure that people in the hospital recover well and know what will happen to the body of the lady who passed on and currently at the Agah Khan Morgue.”
Businessman Edward Onyango urged residents to come out and help the victims who were shot.
The shooting happened after traffic police who were pursuing a passenger vehicle spiked it at Jua Kali area, attracting rage from Jua Kali artisans and traders.
A confrontation ensued leading to the shooting.
Onyango said the best way the police should have handled the matter was to take the number plate of the vehicle and report it to the Sacco management.
“This did not have to go this far, where people have to lose their lives. The student who was killed was innocent and just came to visit the sister before going back to school,” he said.
