Governor condemns shooting of unarmed protesters as victim's family seeks justice

Mr Thomas Mutunga, the father of Peter Ngolanye who was allegedly shot dead by the police in Wote town, Mukueni County, on Wednesday, addressing the media where he called for justice for his son. [File, Standard]

The police have been accused of killing an innocent man in Wote town, Makueni County, who was reportedly shot dead during anti-government protests on Wednesday.

Area governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr condemned the killing of Peter Ngolanye even as the victim’s family called for justice.

So far, two people have been killed in the area since the start of the demonstrations and many others injured.

The governor termed the use of live bullets on the people unacceptable and warned the police against using excessive force against demonstrators.

Ngolanye, a water vendor in Wote, died as soon as he arrived at Makueni County Referral Hospital where he was taken after the incident.

Another victim, Simon Mutinda, who sustained gunshot wounds on the left hand is recuperating at the same hospital.

Call for justice 

This came as the family of the 25-year-old Ngolanye called for justice accusing the police of shooting and killing their innocent son.

His father Thomas Mutunga said the killing of his son has greatly shocked him and his family.

“He was the family’s breadwinner. I received the news of his death with shock. He was such a young person who was just starting life. He has left behind an expectant wife,” said Mutunga who spoke from the scene where his son was killed, at Kasarani, in the company of rights activists from Makueni Civil Society.

 “I was with him on Tuesday when he brought me some water. He said he wanted to take advantage of the demos, since the town would be inaccessible, to sell as much water as possible,” said Nahashon Muthoka, an uncle to the deceased.

Witnesses said a female police officer opened fire during the peaceful demonstrations at Kasarani Estate during which Ngolanye was killed.

In a press statement to newsrooms, Governor Mutula termed the killing of Ngolanye unjustifiable, calling out the police for using excessive force on unarmed residents.

“On 19th July 2023, the police once again shot an innocent bystander, Mr Peter Ngolanye, a water vendor in Wote town. The bullet that went through his chest cavity caused him to bleed to death on the streets of Wote town. I once again reiterate my position that there is no legal justification for the police to shoot unarmed Kenyans particularly when they are demonstrating peacefully or going about their normal businesses,” Mutula said in a statement.

He added: “It is disheartening to note that despite several and similar complains on the use of live bullets against innocent Kenyans, the police continue to shoot and kill Kenyans leaving their families and friends in deep shock and agony.”

Live ammunition

“It certainly pains me as the governor of Makueni and legal human rights defender, that the Kenya Police have decided to use guns and live ammunition in an attempt to silence and/or intimidate peaceful Kenyans,” Mutula said.

He called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to immediately investigate the two killings – one in Emali where one person who was identified as 18-year-old Brian Muendo, was killed last week, as well as the latest case in Wote.

The governor also observed a need for political leaders to embrace dialogue in the face of crises.