Busia leaders have called for an independent investigation into the death of a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student, Laura Wesonga, who was allegedly shot during a police operation in Marachi Estate, Busia Town.
Details indicate that Wesonga was returning from the gymnasium on Monday, when she was caught up in an exchange of gunfire as police confronted violent gangs operating in the border estate. Authorities are, however, yet to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding her death, which has sparked calls for clarity on what happened during the operation.
In a statement on Tuesday, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma and Senator Okiya Omtatah called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure accountability if any officer is found to have acted outside the law.
Governor Otuoma said he had been informed that the incident occurred during a confrontation between police and a criminal gang operating under the name “Jobless”.
He said Marachi Estate is home to hardworking and peace-loving residents, adding that the actions of a few individuals should not define the entire community.
“I have been briefed that the incident occurred during a confrontation between the police and a criminal gang operating under the name “Jobless”. Marachi Estate is home to hardworking, peace-loving residents, and it would be unfair for the criminal actions of a few individuals to define the character of the entire community,” he said.
He added that while criminal activities must be addressed firmly, security operations should always consider the safety of innocent members of the public.
“While criminality must be confronted firmly and decisively, law enforcement operations must always be conducted with the highest regard for the safety of innocent members of the public. It is deeply concerning that an innocent life was lost in the course of the operation,” he said.
He called on IPOA to conduct a prompt, independent and thorough investigation into the incident and take action against any officer found to have violated the law or policing standards.
“I therefore call upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to undertake a prompt, independent, and thorough investigation into this incident and ensure that any officer found to have acted outside the law or established policing standards is taken to task,” Otuoma said.
The governor also urged security agencies to continue adopting professional and intelligence-led policing approaches that prioritise lawful arrests and the protection of innocent lives.
He also emphasised that justice for Wesonga must be pursued while ensuring security operations continue to protect the rights of citizens.
Senator Omtatah also mourned Wesonga, describing her death as the loss of an innocent life and called for immediate action.
He said Wesonga’s death highlighted the need for security operations to be carried out with professionalism and respect for the Constitution.
“The police have a constitutional duty to protect life. No law enforcement operation should result in the loss of innocent lives. Every operation must be conducted with professionalism, restraint, and full respect for the Constitution,” Omtatah said.
The senator called for an immediate and transparent investigation by IPOA, saying officers found responsible should face accountability.
He also called on political leaders to lower tensions and respect democratic principles, warning against the use of intimidation in politics.
“The political temperatures in Busia must cool down immediately. I urge political leaders across Busia and the wider nation to fully embrace democracy. In a democracy, dissent is a right. Not everyone must support you. Using hired goons to intimidate rivals and settle political scores is primitive, illegal, and unacceptable,” he said.
He added that justice for Wesonga should be delivered through a process that is transparent and fair.
"Justice must be swift, transparent, and uncompromising. The people of Busia deserve security, accountability, and respect for the sanctity of human life,” Omtatah said.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google