An autopsy report has revealed that 42-year-old Jidah Burka died from a single gunshot wound to the head during the chaos that erupted at Kasarani Stadium during the late Raila Odinga's funeral proceedings.
According to a statement by human rights activist and CEO of Vocal Africa, Hussein Khalid, the post-mortem examination confirmed that the bullet entered through the front of Burka's head and exited at the back.
"The autopsy on the body of Jidah Burka, who was shot and killed at Kasarani stadium, has been done. The cause of death is a single headshot. The bullet went in on the front of the head and exited at the back," Khalid stated.
Following the autopsy, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken up investigations into the fatal shooting, as confirmed by Khalid.
The family has been given the body, with burial scheduled for Tuesday at Kariakor Muslim cemetery.
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Khalid also acknowledged the support provided by the Sonko Rescue Team, which cleared all the medical and mortuary bills for the deceased's family.
Burka was among thousands of mourners who had gathered at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to pay their final respects when violence broke out between police officers and the crowd on Thursday last week.
His mother, Boni Bori, recounted the painful moments leading up to her son's death, describing how he had left home early that morning, eager to attend the event and bid farewell to a leader he greatly respected.
"He told us he was going to see Baba for the last time. He never came back," she said.
The shooting has triggered widespread public anger, with human rights organizations condemning what they term as excessive use of force by police during what should have been a peaceful national mourning event.
Khalid had earlier called for immediate investigations into the killing, urging law enforcement to exercise restraint when dealing with civilians.
"We are asking the police to exercise restraint when dealing with Kenyans and calling on IPOA to immediately initiate investigations so that those responsible can be arrested and held to account," he stated.
According to preliminary reports, at least three people have been confirmed dead following the violent scuffle at Kasarani, with several others sustaining injuries.
Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga revealed that approximately 100 people suffered varying degrees of injuries during the chaos that marred the viewing of the former Prime Minister's body.
IPOA is yet to issue an official statement on the progress of its probe or whether any officers have been identified or arrested in connection with the fatal shooting.
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