Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo is mourning the death of her aide, who was reportedly killed by a police bullet. Omanyo announced the death of her staff member, Fredrick Odiwour, popularly known as Papa.
According to the ODM SG, who is also the Busia Woman Representative, Fredrick was shot in the border town during the protests that commenced on May 18 over high fuel prices in the country.
Catherine Omanyo has affirmed that she is making a personal follow-up on the death of her staff member.
Relevant authorities, together with the ODM SG, are set on ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the death of Fredrick are addressed and justice served.
“I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of my staff member, Frederick Odiwour (Papa). 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,” Catherine Omanyo stated.
Furthermore, she has extended her condolences to the family and friends of the ODM staff members over their loss.
Also Read: Police Commander Lifts Lid on How Nairobi Protests Were Executed
Protest Deaths
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba, on May 18, made an official government report on the number of deaths during the fuel price hike protest across the country.
According to the CS, four people had been confirmed dead while 30 were injured across the country.
Citing the death and injuries arising from the protests, Murkomen alleged that the protests, which were meant to be peaceful, were infiltrated by sponsored goons to cause destruction.
Moreover, the CS noted that all recorded deaths during the nationwide protests will be investigated.
Additionally, he clarified that the police had made 348 arrests and that those arrested would face legal charges in court.
Also Read: 4 Dead as Murkomen Reveals Magnitude of Countrywide Protests
However, media reports indicated that the death toll had increased from four to at least 12 on May 19.
Among the deaths recorded was that of a boda-boda rider, George Njuguna Kamau, who was shot during the Monday protest.
In Githurai 44, Joseph Kiarie was also shot during the protests and unrest as he went to deposit school fees for his child in a nearby bank.
“When he found it chaotic, he turned his motorcycle, and that was when he was shot in the chest,” Faith Nyambura, the wife of the deceased, recounted.
According to his relative, the shots were fired from a vehicle with no number plates, with the firing officers being female.
Other casualties that succumbed to death during the nationwide fuel protests include Prudence Imali, Derrick Peter, a student at Sigalagala National Polytechnic.
Survivors of the protest include Vallery Omondi, currently at the intensive care unit (ICU) at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
Hussein Khalid, the director of Vocal Africa, confirmed that at least 12 people had been killed in the protest countrywide.
