Families Affected by Police Brutality Ask Koome to Apologize

Families affected by police brutality during anti-government protests in various parts of Nyanza are grappling with the financial and emotional aftermath.

Many of them are still haunted by the painful memories of their encounters with law enforcement officers. Moreover, families whose breadwinners were allegedly taken by the police, find themselves struggling to cope with the loss.

A report by The Standard newspaper revealed that several families are still unable to cover the costs associated with burials. The remains of their deceased relatives remain at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) mortuary.

This contradicts the statement made by the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome. Koome suggested that opposition leaders had conspired to place bodies in morgues to tarnish the police’s reputation.

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Reports from affected families

In Nyalenda slums, a family mourning the loss of two sons, continues to prepare for the dual tragedy attributed to police brutality. Brian Oniang’o, aged 22, and William Amulele, aged 24, passed away within days of each other while undergoing treatment at JOOTRH about two weeks ago.

Eveline Akhala, their mother, was deeply saddened as she recalled the IG’s comments. She expressed that the financial burden of two funerals had delayed their burial plans. Eveline strongly denying any involvement with politicians in exploiting the situation for personal gain.

Eveline also recounted her attempts to save her sons after they were assaulted by the police. She insisted that her sons were alive when she took them to JOOTRH and succumbed to their injuries while still at hospital.

In a separate case, Lilian Okoth, whose 17-year-old son was shot nine times during the demonstrations, is worried about her son’s psychological state. Fidel Castro Ochieng’, has been discharged from the hospital. However, Fidel still struggles with trauma and erratic behavior. Friends have recommended counseling for both mother and son.

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Reports from relevant authorities

Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o criticized the Inspector General’s comments. He called upon the IG to visit JOOTRH to verify the victims’ records. The county’s health department recorded the treatment of 107 patients during the protests, with 47 of them treated for gunshot wounds.

A report by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Amnesty International indicated that 24 people died in Kisumu and Kisii during the protests. Kisumu alone saw 16 casualties due to the police crackdown.

Morticians and the Allied Professionals Association of Kenya (MAPAKe) condemned IG Koome’s allegations that mortuary workers were involved in manipulating dead bodies for political gain.

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They demanded proof for the claims or a retraction, emphasizing their commitment to professionalism and ethical practices.

The opposition and various politicians also urged the Inspector General to retract his statement, asserting that the displayed bodies were the result of police brutality, not manipulation.