Editor's Review

"The Kenya Police Service must carry their own cross."

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has issued a condemnation of the recent surge in police violence across the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, June 18, Wanga cited the tragic death of Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody, as a tipping point in the national outcry against police abuse. 

“Today, we stand united in grief and outrage as our nation confronts a wave of police brutality, impunity and extrajudicial killing. The tragic killing of our son, Albert Ojwang in police custody has shaken our collective national conscience,” she stated.

Wanga also drew attention to the suspicious death of 36-year-old fisherman Calvins Omondi Onditi who allegedly hanged himself using his trousers while in custody at Kipasi Police Post in Mbita. 

“Yet, as we mourn Albert, another family in Mbita is shattered by the death of Calvins Omondi Onditi, a 36-year-old fisherman who allegedly ‘hanged himself’ with his trousers at Kipasi Police Post, Mbita. The post-mortem at the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, will reveal the truth,” she continued.

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File image of Gladys Wanga

Turning to events in Nairobi, Wanga condemned the shooting of protester, Philip Oketch, as well as the shocking incident involving Boniface Kariuki, a hawker who was shot at close range during demonstrations. 

"We watched a video of an unarmed young man selling masks, shot at point-blank range by a masked police officer. This chilling act, captured on video underscores the brazen police brutality,” she lamented.

Wanga also revealed that another victim, 34-year-old Gabriel Mwita Chacha had been admitted to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital after allegedly sustaining life-threatening injuries from police beatings.

“Today, Gabriel Mwita Chacha, 34 years old, has been brought to the County Referral Hospital with life threatening injuries arising from police beating in Ringiti Island,” she noted.

Wanga called for urgent legal action, saying the perpetrators of extrajudicial killings and violence against citizens must face the law. 

"Enough is enough. The perpetrators of these extrajudicial killings must face the full force of the law. The Kenya Police Service must carry their own cross. We condemn these atrocities and demand accountability. The immediate prosecution of all officers involved, including those bearing command responsibility," she further said.