Written By Joyce Nzom
Victor Otieno, the young college student whose life was tragically cut short during the June 25, 2025 protests, died from a close-range gunshot wound to the head, a postmortem has confirmed.
The examination, conducted by government pathologists, has shed light on the exact circumstances that led to his death and the extent of injuries he suffered.
According to the findings, Victor was shot from a distance of approximately two meters. The bullet entered just above his right eyebrow and exited through the left side of his head. What many had assumed to be a large scar on the right side was actually the exit wound.
The postmortem confirmed that more significant damage occurred on the left side of his skull, where the bullet exited with force, shattering the cranium and severely damaging the brain.
The bullet, estimated to have a diameter of 0.5 centimeters, caused massive trauma to Victor’s brain, making it virtually impossible for him to survive the injury. The doctors confirmed that the entire brain had been destroyed in the process, leaving no chance of recovery.
Although the bullet itself was not recovered during the procedure, forensic specialists took blood samples, which have been submitted to the government chemist for further analysis. These tests are expected to provide additional insight into the type of ammunition used and possibly identify the weapon involved.
Victor’s case has become a powerful symbol of the protests, and his death continues to spark national debate about police brutality, the use of live ammunition on civilians, and the right to peaceful assembly. His family, along with human rights groups, is calling for a full investigation and prosecution of those responsible.
