The family of police officer Jim Okundi is demanding justice and an independent probe into his death during last weekend’s Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay County.
The 32-year-old, attached to Muhoroni Police Station, was deployed as part of a security reinforcement team between Olare and Nyangweso trading centres in Rangwe Sub-county along the Homa Bay-Kendu Bay Road.
He later died from his injuries at a Kisumu hospital.
His widow, Avira Jim, recalled speaking with him that Sunday afternoon, when he mentioned being busy but promised to call her back. He never did.
She said a call came through from an unfamiliar number around 10 pm that night, which she missed, and it was only the following morning, when she called back, that she learned of his death.
At the family’s home in Ndonyo village, Suna West, Jim’s mother, Priscillah Okundi, pleaded with the government for support, saying her age leaves her unable to care for herself or her son’s young widow.
She said uncovering the truth would help the family heal and appealed for assistance in caring for the family Jim left behind, describing him as everything to them.
The family disputes the initial police account that Jim died after being struck by a stone.
His brother, Peter Okundi, said the injuries observed on the body appeared blunt in nature, differing from what colleagues had described, prompting the family’s call for a fresh, independent inquiry.
Jim had only recently returned to duty after training to become a Corporal, followed by two months of leave, and died a week after resuming work.
Relatives said he had been eager to provide better for his child. Peter said the family was not seeking anything extraordinary, only accountability and closure regarding their brother’s death.
His body remains at St Joseph Ombo Mission Hospital morgue as burial arrangements continue. ODM previously listed 24 civilians and 10 security officers injured during the rally disruption.