Family seeks justice after police vehicle reportedly killed kin
Nyanza
By
Isaiah Gwengi
| Jan 04, 2024
A family in Ugenya, Siaya County, is seeking justice for their kin who died after he was allegedly run over by a police vehicle.
The family of the deceased, identified as Austine Odhiambo, said he was crashed by the police car as the officers were on their way to execute an auction on December 28, 2023, in West Ugenya location.
Odhiambo's father, Boniface Opondo told The Standard that police officers dragged his son before he fell and was run over by the Land Cruiser.
"My son was trying to find out why cows were being auctioned. He decided to take photos using his phone. That was when one of the officers is reported to have grabbed his hand, as the vehicle was moving, and dragged him along before he was killed," said Opondo.
He said the 36-year-old fell down before he was run over by the rear tyre of the Land Cruiser. He was taken to the nearby Ukwala sub-county hospital where he died on arrival.
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The deceased's mother Roseline Awino said they have been mistreated and frustrated by security agencies in their quest for justice.
"When we went to Ukwala Police Station to follow up on the matter, we realized that the statement had been distorted. We were forced to seek the intervention of the County Police Commander," said Collins Otieno, Odhiambo's brother.
A neighbour, who claimed that the officers did not even have a legitimate auction order, accused the police of overstepping their mandate, calling on top command in the region to ensure justice is served.
Area MCA Oduor Odongo, who visited the family on Wednesday, condemned the incident and demanded justice for Odhiambo's family.
"Police officers responsible for the death must be brought to book," said Odongo.
The Bungoma-based Rhemat Auctioneers alleged one Lucy Akinyi Owino, who was once married to the deceased, owed First Community Savings and Credit Co-operative Society Limited Sh13,800. The auctioneer fee was Sh81,300.
Siaya County police commander Cleti Kimaiyo said there were conflicting reports on what led to Odhiambo's death.
"The report we have from Ukwala Police Station said the deceased attempted to jump into the vehicle and missed grip, then fell on the ground," said Kimaiyo.
Kimaiyo said he has already ordered the County Criminal Investigations officer to take over the investigations.
"I want to assure the family of the deceased that if an officer is found culpable, they will not be spared," he said.