The family of a senior police officer who was killed in Nairobi earlier this month has accused the Government of abandoning their son during his burial held last Saturday in Imusutsu, Vihiga County.
They say the officer, who died while on duty, was not accorded proper last respects like other officers, and neither has the Government given any directions or explanations since his killing nor has it sent any representatives to the funeral.
Inspector Benson Shibira Indeje, 33, was shot dead in what was reported as confrontation with his colleague in Nairobi’s Kawangware on September 5 at about 3am.
His family now says he was killed by his fellow officers and further deserted on his final journey.
“As a family, we are very shocked that our son was not given his final respects by the police service he diligently served for six years. There was no flag, no uniform or gun salute that is given to all police officers who die on duty,” said Boaz Indeje, the slain officer's father.
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He spoke to journalists at his home, together with his wife Miriam, and the widow, Sharon Amugotso.
Indeje had been transferred to Riruta Police Station just two months before his death.
“We have seen reports that our son was shot five times. This is not true. The postmortem indicates he was shot once, with the bullet penetrating his right rib and coming out on the left side, thus rupturing vital organs,” Mr Indeje said.
His mother said the family would like to know what wrong their son committed to warrant his killing by his colleague, who later snubbed his burial.
“While in Nairobi, we talked to police officers and we have information, including the name of a police officer from Muthangari Police Station, who is suspected to have killed him. At Kabete, we were assured that all the necessary steps were being taken to accord him a proper burial. We don’t know what changed,” the mother said.
The officer's widow said she was disappointed by the Government's treatment of her husband and sought justice for her three children, who are asking why their father was killed.
The officer joined the Administration Police as a graduate constable in 2013 and was promoted to the rank of Inspector in 2017.
Police spokesperson Charles Owino yesterday said he did not know how Indeje was buried, and whether he was given full rights.
He said when a person dies in such circumstances as the policeman did, the case is subjected to inquiry and that it would be unfair to judge him before the conclusion of inquiry.
“It seems his case was of gross indiscipline. What he must have done must have been very criminal. Police will associate with you based on your actions. The gun salute is associated with honour,” Mr Owino said.
