Grief, tears as Nyanza residents remember victims of protests

Azimio supporters take part in candle lighting activity at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and referral hospital Kisumu in solidarity with the victims of police brutality during anti-government protests. [Collins Oduor, Standard] Grief engulfed several towns in Nyanza on Wednesday as hundreds of opposition supporters converged in various spots and lit candles in remembrance of those killed during mass protests. Families of victims, survivors, residents, leaders, activists, and religious leaders united in grief and lit candles, a sharp contrast from Wednesday last week which was marked by gunshots, teargas, and beatings as police officers moved to disperse protesters. Residents gathered in all six Nyanza counties during which they recounted the horrific experiences they endured at the hands of rogue police officers they accused of killing and maiming opposition supporters. They said they will remain steadfast as they pile pressure on President William Ruto's government to address the problem of the high cost of living. Residents accused the police of brutality and criticised the government for lacking empathy for its own people. In Kisumu, protestors gathered in Kondele, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Nyalenda, Jua Kali area, and the local bus park where they lit candles. Kisii residents along Kisii Hospital Road after lighting candles at Capital Round About in honour of those killed during anti-government protests. [Sammy Omingo, Standard] At the JOOTRH mortuary, tears flowed freely as four families, who lost their loved ones during the protests, lit candles, sang and prayed in memory of their departed kin. Caroline Otieno, who lost her husband Erick Omondi, was inconsolable. "His death is a big loss for us as a family," she said as tears rolled down her chicks. At Kondele, Michael Ouko who sustained injuries on his leg after he was allegedly attacked by police officers, condemned the security agencies for using excessive force on protesters. "We are lighting the candles because it is important to show empathy to all those who were affected by the protests and its aftermath. We must stand against police brutality," he said. Ouko claimed he was beaten by police officers as he walked home on Thursday last week during the second day of the three-day weekly protests. "One of the officers threatened to kill me and even cocked his gun, but he did not shoot," he said as he lit a white candle. Brian Otieno, who was injured in his arm, also braved the pain to participate in the candle-lighting ceremony. He said he was discharged from the hospital on Saturday. Kisii residents light candles at capital Round About in honour of police brutality victims. [Sammt Omingo,Standard] "We are determined to liberate Kenyans from punitive taxes by this government and there will be no letup despite the brutal attacks on protesters by the police," said Otieno. He added: "You can attack people as much as you want. However, the protests will go on until the issues affecting Kenyans are addressed. A time is coming when the people will not even wait for leaders to call for protests." Leaders from the region who also led the candle-lighting ceremonies in some areas condemned the use of force by police officers on protesters. In the region, nearly 15 families are mourning loved ones who died during the protests. Some of them succumbed to gunshot wounds while others were stabbed. About 70 others are nursing gunshot wounds in various hospitals. At JOOTRH, a student who was shot nine times is still undergoing treatment while another man, who was also shot eight times, is also hospitalized at the facility. In Kisumu alone, hospitals have attended to at least 107 people who were injured during the protests. Out of this, 58 were admitted. Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o, on Wednesday, directed the medical department to waive the medical bills of all those injured during the protests. "Sadly and very regrettably, 91 patients recorded a history of police assault resulting in injuries. Of concern and utter shock is that out of those attended to, 47 had gunshot wounds which required inpatient admission and surgical procedures to save their lives," said Nyong'o. Nyong'o asked the Kenya Kwanza government to respect human rights and stop denying Kenyans their right to protest. County Assembly Speaker Elisha Oraro condemned the use of live bullets on innocent protesters. In Migori, ODM leaders, activists, church leaders, and residents held a candle-lighting ceremony at Posta roundabout in Migori town. Area ODM secretary Josy Olala said they would hold the candle lighting daily to show remorse to all the victims of the protests. "No one has the right to kill. Kenya has a constitution where picketing is legally allowed," said Olala. Pastor Lucas Oriang, of Jesus is Alive Miracle Church, said the country needs prayers. "Our country needs peace," Oriang said. Abdi Fatar, a resident of Migori town, condemned the killings by the police. "That is the hand of the devil," Fatar said. Charles Osewe, the local chairman of Bunge la Wananchi, accused police of killing people mercilessly. Kisumu governor Anyang Nyong'o. [File, Standard] In Homa Bay, Governor Gladys Wanga announced that she will meet the medical bills of police brutality victims in her county. Wanga led residents in lighting candles to remember victims of police brutality at Rusinga Island Lodge in Mbita Sub-county on Wednesday. The governor, who was accompanied by her deputy Oyugi Magwanga, the County Assembly Speaker Julius Gaya, Clerk Faith Apuko, and Majority leader Richard Ogindo in marking the occasion, said she will not abandon any Homa Bay resident who is grappling with hospital bills in the county. Speaking during the occasion, Wanga said the entire county government leadership is in solidarity with the victims of police brutality and their families. "All Homa Bay County residents who suffered police brutality are going to have their hospital bills cleared. We are in solidarity with police brutality victims and their families," Wanga said. The governor said families who lost their loved ones will also be supported with funeral arrangements. "We are sending our condolences to all our people who lost their loved ones. We will support their burial arrangements," Wanga said. In Kisii, residents gathered at Capital Roundabout and lit candles to mourn those who died. While some carried candles, others carried flowers. Kisii is among the areas that were massively affected by the protests that left five people dead. The dead included a Kisii National Polytechnic student who was caught by a stray bullet. Residents blamed police officers for using brutal force on unarmed protestors. [Reports by Anne Atieno, Sharon Owino, James Omoro, and Sammy Omingo].

Grief, tears as Nyanza residents remember victims of protests

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