Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o has called for the arrest and prosecution of the culprit who shot dead a Maseno University Student.
The third-year student identified as William Mayange was shot dead by police during the protests called by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition.
Through a statement, Governor Nyong’o termed the incident unfortunate, saying the police officer was not justified to shoot the literature student.
Nyong’o said the student was murdered in cold blood as he and his colleagues were demonstrating at Maseno centre over the high cost of living.
“It is unfortunate that instead of using tear gas or rubber bullets, the police chose to fire live ammunition at the students. The police should exhibit professionalism and restraint while quelling riots instead of using brutality on unarmed protesters,” he said.
“As we send condolence messages to the family of the slain student and the Maseno University fraternity, we demand that the police officer who fired the killer bullet be arrested and prosecuted as soon as possible,” he added.
According to a police report, during the protests, they invaded the Sairam supermarket, in Maseno town and other business premises along Kisumu-Busia road.
As tensions rose, the students began pelting stones at the police line, causing damage to 10 houses and the police station.
Six police officers were injured during the skirmishes, and the officers, who had run out of teargas canisters and blanks, were forced to fire live bullets.
“This prompted the officers who had been sent out to quell the intruders to fire live bullets. Consequently, the 3rd year student was hit on the neck”, the police report read.
He was rushed to Coptic Hospital where was pronounced dead on arrival.
The case is currently under investigation by PUI and DCI Kisumu West.
