The National Police Service (NPS) is under scrutiny after police allegedly shot dead a staff member attached to ODM acting Secretary General and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo during chaotic protests in Busia Town on Tuesday, triggering outrage among residents and local leaders.
The deceased, identified as Frederick Odiwuor, popularly known as ‘Papa’, is said to have been caught in the middle of confrontations between residents and police officers following demonstrations linked to rising fuel prices.
Residents claimed the situation escalated after angry youths stormed Busia Police Station over an earlier shooting incident, prompting police officers to fire shots to disperse the crowd.
Omanyo confirmed the death on Wednesday morning, expressing sorrow over the loss of her staff member while demanding justice and accountability from authorities.
“I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of my staff member Frederick Odiwuor (Papa),” Omanyo said.
“Papa succumbed to a bullet fired by a police officer in Busia. I am personally following up on the matter with the relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding this incident are addressed and justice is pursued,” she added.
According to locals, Odiwuor operated a barber shop within Busia Town and had reportedly left his home after hearing claims that suspected goons were planning to vandalise his business premises amid the unrest.
Residents said he headed towards Busia Police Station to report the matter, only to find tension already high as crowds gathered outside the station following another alleged police shooting.
During the confusion, police allegedly opened fire, and Odiwuor was struck by a bullet. Witnesses claimed he attempted to flee from the scene before he was allegedly shot a second time from behind, with the bullet hitting the left side of his chest near the heart.
The second gunshot reportedly paralysed him moments before he succumbed to the injuries, as shocked residents attempted to rescue him from the scene.
“The deceased left the house some moments ago, and after a short time, I received a call that someone I knew was among those shot by police. On the way, I suspected something sinister despite the caller’s assurances that he was still alive. When I arrived, I found him completely cold,” a relative of the deceased narrated.