A section of leaders from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party is in Makueni county to attend the burial ceremony of an 18-year-old boy.Police officers who clashed with demonstrators who had blocked the Mombasa-Nairobi highway reportedly shot the boy, identified as Brian Malika Mwendwa, dead.
The incident happened during the first day of the Azimio la Umoja three-day demos that began on July 19.
KANU secretary of political affairs Fredrick Okango said they are in Makueni to attend the burial ceremony of Mwendwa in Emali.
Witnesses said Mwendwa was a bystander when police started engaging protesters, and a stray bullet ripped through his stomach.
While addressing mourners, Raila Odinga donated Ksh100,000 during a funeral service of a supporter who was shot during the protests.
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka claimed the police were directed to shoot Azimio la Umoja leaders in the legs during the anti-government protest rally at Kamukunji grounds on July 12.
Speaking during the burial of Brian Malika in Makueni County, wondered why the police would be ordered to shoot the opposition politicians.
“If you were to go to Kamukunji, the intention was to have your legs shot. Raila was to be shot in the legs, Kalonzo and Kioni were also to be seen being shot in the legs. What was the intention of one Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome?” Kalonzo posed.
The police have been accused of using excessive force when dealing with protesters last week where more than 30 people lost their lives and several others were injured.
However, Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki dismissed in a statement the opposition’s claims as “malicious, false and intended to distort public opinion,” saying police forces have remained “neutral, impartial and professional”.
by: Rossy