A staff member attached to ODM acting Secretary General and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo was allegedly shot dead by police during chaotic protests in Busia Town on Tuesday, sparking anger among residents and local leaders who are now demanding justice and accountability from the authorities.
The deceased, identified as Frederick Odiwuor, popularly known as Papa, reportedly died after police opened fire during confrontations between officers and residents following demonstrations linked to the rising cost of fuel.
The incident has placed the National Police Service under fresh scrutiny over claims of excessive force during the unrest.
According to residents, tension in Busia Town escalated after angry youths stormed Busia Police Station following reports of another earlier shooting incident involving police officers.
Witnesses said officers responded by firing shots in an attempt to disperse the crowd as panic spread around the area.
Omanyo confirmed the death on Wednesday morning, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of her staff member while calling for thorough investigations into the incident.
She said Odiwuor succumbed to a bullet allegedly fired by a police officer and assured the public that she was following up the matter with the relevant authorities.
In her statement, the legislator described Odiwuor as a close staff member and insisted that justice must be pursued to establish the exact circumstances that led to his death.
Residents said Odiwuor operated a barber shop within Busia Town and had reportedly left his home after receiving information that suspected goons were planning to vandalise his business during the protests.
He is said to have gone to Busia Police Station to report the matter, only to find a tense situation already unfolding outside the station.
Witnesses claimed that during the confusion, police officers opened fire and Odiwuor was struck by a bullet.
According to those at the scene, he attempted to run away after the first shot before he was allegedly shot a second time from behind.
The bullet reportedly hit the left side of his chest near the heart.Residents who tried to rescue him said the second gunshot left him paralysed moments before he succumbed to the injuries.
A relative of the deceased narrated the painful moment he received a call informing him that someone close to him had been shot during the chaos.
Another witness accused police officers of failing to give Odiwuor an opportunity to explain why he had gone to the station before the shooting occurred.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah condemned the incident, describing the events in Busia Town as disturbing and painful. He called for immediate investigations by the Interior Ministry, IPOA, and the DCI into the fatal shooting.
