Chaos broke out at the Kakamega Referral Hospital’s morgue when a group of young people rushed in on Friday to demand the bodies of Caroline Shiramba and Reagan Ouko who died during June protests.
Residents who spoke to the press explained that they just wanted to mourn peacefully and then take the bodies to their respective homes for burial. They clarified that they did not intend to cause harm and were satisfied with the police actions.
“We don’t mind picking up our deceased, and we appreciate the police officer who killed our loved ones,” residents stated.
Further, the family members of the deceased lady clarified that she was not part of the protesters as claimed. They demanded justice for their loved one and requested the government to allow them to take Caroline’s body home for burial according to their customs.
“We ask the government to give us permission to bring the body to where she lived and then to the burial site, so that we can follow our customs,” a family member noted.
The youths also called on the Kakamega County government to waive hospital bills for those injured during the protests. They expressed frustration, urging the government to value human lives and respect their dignity.
Also Read: ICJ Reveals Number of Police Killings in 2024 Protests, Gives IPOA Ultimatum
In addition, they expressed their desire for a change in leadership, calling for government officials to step down as they were dissatisfied with their actions.
IPOA Asks Kenyans to Share Videos & Photos of Rogue Cops
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) on July 2 called on the public to share any videos or photos they may had of incidents during the recent protests.
The demonstrations, which were triggered by the Finance Bill 2024, led to violent clashes between police and protesters causing significant casualties and property damage.
In a statement issued by IPOA, Chairperson Anne Makori announced that the Authority has launched investigations into 39 deaths, 150 serious injuries, and seven abductions that occurred during the protests.
Also Read: IPOA Issues Urgent Appeal in Rex Masai Shooting Case
Further, to hasten inquiries, IPOA appealed to citizens who may have witnessed any of the events to provide any videographic or photographic evidence.
“To hasten progress on investigations, the Authority appeals to the members of the public who may have witnessed any of the above and other related incidents across the country and have in their possession videographic or photographic materials to share through https://forms’/atyrL593UmyVx1WFA,” IPOA said in a statement.
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