Family in Distress as Kuinet OCS Faces Allegations of Shooting 21-Year-Old at Supermarket

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Following demands for justice from Kuinet residents, the OCS has been reassigned to the Soy OCPD’s office.

Caroline Wekesa, whose son was shot by the Kuinet OCS, calls for justice one week after the tragic incident

A family in Kapchan Village, Kuinet area of Soy Sub County, is in distress following attempts by security officers to deny justice to 21-year-old Thomas Wekesa.

Wekesa was allegedly shot by OCS Kuinet, Josphat Kundi, on May 9th at his workplace, Bevali Supermarket Kuinet.

Caroline Wekesa, a mother of four living in Kapchan Village, recounted, “I received a late-night call that my son had been shot. Upon arriving at Kuinet trading centre, tension was high, and members of the public were already demonstrating. I followed up with my son at Palm Care Hospital where he was already receiving treatment. The incident caused shock and fear among Kuinet residents.”

Thomas Wekesa back at his mother’s home in Kapchan village,Wekesa was shot on 9th May at Kuinet trading centre.

The reasons behind the OCS’s shooting of Wekesa remain unclear. However, it has been suggested that Officer Kundi, who was posted to the station last year, has a habit of drawing his gun and intimidating the public. Eliud Kipchirchir, a witness, stated, “The OCS fired to scare away members of the public and was targeting a Boda Boda rider with whom he may have had a personal vendetta.” Kipchirchir further reported taking Wekesa to Palm Care Hospital, where he underwent surgery, incurring medical costs of nearly 200,000 shillings during his two-day admission.

Despite officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation visiting the victim and recording statements, no actions have been taken to expedite justice. Norah Chelang’a, a neighbor to the victim, claimed, “We are now at a loss due to attempts to obstruct Wekesa’s justice. This is a poor family, and Wekesa was the sole breadwinner.”

Norah Chelang’a, a neighbor, emotional at the Wekesa’s residence as she, along with other Kuinet residents, demand justice

Kimutai Kirui, an Eldoret-based human rights activist, has demanded the arrest of the OCS and called upon the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to begin investigations and take necessary action within one week. “This incident marks the first of its kind in the area, involving a police officer recklessly using his firearm. It’s unfortunate that the matter has not been reported to IPOA. Police who have been accused in this matter cannot purport to investigate themselves,” Kirui said.

Following demands for justice from Kuinet residents, the OCS has been reassigned to the Soy OCPD’s office. Soy Member of Parliament David Kiplagat visited the victim in the hospital but has since remained silent on the matter.

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