Father demands government apology after daughter shot by police

PhD student Laura Kwasira who was allegedly shot dead by a Nakuru-based police officer. [Bernard Lusigi, Standard]

Dr Josphta Kwasira sits pensively outside his home in Itumbu village, Shinyalu constituency, struggling to come to terms with the brutal death of his firstborn daughter.

Kwasira's daughter, Laura Kwasira, was allegedly shot five times by Nakuru Police Constable Nicholas Musau, attached to Nakuru Central Police Station, on Wednesday morning at Vegas Bar over an unpaid bill of Sh16,000.

He explained that his daughter, a Ph.D. student, was pursuing Project Management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and was expected to defend her final presentation in a fortnight.

He said she attended her secondary education at Butere Girls before proceeding to JKUAT, where she completed her degree in Community Development and Project Management for her Master's degree.

"She was an industrious woman and was a part-time lecturer at JKUAT Eldoret Campus, Highlands University, and she had just recently secured a place at the University of Eldoret to be a part-time lecturer," said Dr. Kwasira.

According to Kwasira, his daughter engaged in legal and genuine businesses after completing her first degree.

"She was an entrepreneur who ventured into business just after completing her first degree and has been running legal businesses. The firstborn among her five siblings was a pillar in my family," said Kwasira.

Dr. Kwasira now wants the government to offer him a formal apology for the killing performed by its police officer, fearing it has treated the death lightly.

"The Interior CS meant well when he said the government cannot associate itself with the police officer who is the key suspect in the killing, but we need a formal apology as a family," said Dr. Kwasira.

The father wants the government to send one of its representatives to the burial service to read the formal apology.

"That will show its seriousness over such a matter where one of their employees was involved in taking the life of an innocent Kenyan when he was supposed to protect it," he said.

Formal apology

Usla Bahati, a Psychological Counselor and cousin to the late, wants the government to take their officers through courses on how to carry themselves.

"Let the police be trained on how to carry themselves while not on duty. What we are calling upon the government is to be remorseful to the families of the victims they hurt and offer a formal apology," said Bahati.

"We have lost a resourceful person both academically and socially. Police should not be allowed to have firearms when they are not on official duty."

The late Kwasira has left behind two children, Ashley Kwasira, 11 years, and a grade 6 pupil, and Sharley Kwasira, 9 years, a grade 4 pupil.

She is expected to be laid to rest on Saturday at their home in Shinyalu, Kakamega County.

CS Kindiki and Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome have condemned the shooting.