Student shot dead after police opens fire during protests over power blackouts
3 min read
Police shoot dead a form three student in Wajir Town during demonstrations over power blackout in the area
Police shoot dead a form three student in Wajir Town during demonstrations over power blackout in the area.
On Sunday, June 4, a form three student was shot and killed during demonstrations over persistent blackouts in Wajir Town.
The victim, according to a police report, was shot and killed close to the power offices where the demonstration was taking place.
Anti-riot cops were called in to interfere and maintain order after demonstrators, according to the police, were aggressive and damaged property.
“They broke glasses, vandalised offices before anti-riot police intervened and dispersed them leading to running battles,” the police report read in part.
Residents and business operators had staged a protest in the town, to demand action from the authorities over power blackouts that were affecting their businesses and lives.
Wajir West MP Yusuf Farah blamed the police for using excessive force on protestors, which led to the death of the student.
Farah also demanded action from the state over persistent blackouts in Wajir that affected businesses and other daily activities.
“The people of Wajir have every right to peacefully protest about the lengthy power blackouts. I am with the people on this. We’ve been told lies for too long,” Muliro stated.
He added that they had informed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the shooting and take necessary action.
His Wajir South counterpart Mohamed Adow also condemned the killing, calling for thorough investigations into the incident and ensuring that the family gets justice.
The student was among angry residents who blocked the main road in the town, lighting bonfires that paralysed activities in the town for over two hours.
Oil prices rise as Opec+ (Saudi Arabia) pledges production cuts
God will help Ruto transform Kenya like Kibaki, CS Kindiki
Government launches Mau Mau census after Gachagua remarks
Al-Shabab killed 54 Ugandan soldiers in Somalia, Museveni
Abdi Mohamed, a businessman in Wajir revealed that the residents were demanding answers from the power agency on why there was no reliable supply of power in the area yet the residents pay taxes like other Kenyans.
“Electricity supply to this area is very unreliable because it only lasts for a short period. Also, there is rationing with no explanation,” stated Abdi Mohamed.
The incident occurred after the residents claimed they had raised the matter with the power distributor for more than a month yet no action was taken.
Police, on the other hand, called for tolerance and patience from the residents while promising to investigate the matter and ensure justice for the family of the victim.
Also read,
Ruto to deny development to areas where MPS will reject finance bill
Public schools in crisis as government delays release of Ksh 28B capitation fund
NHIF given ultimatums to clear outstanding bills as hospitals start rejecting cards
Business CEOs in fear of Ruto’s plan- Report
Follow us
