Governor Cornel Rasanga wants rogue police officers moved

Siaya governor Cornel Rasanga. PIC BY COLLINS ODUOgovernor Cornel Rasanga. PIC BY COLLINS ODUO

Governor Cornel Rasanga has given the police one week to transfer rogue officers from Ugunja.

He said if the officer are not transferred within that time, he will lead a demonstration that will paralyse transport along the Kisumu-Busia road.

Mr Rasanga, Senator James Orengo and Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi said insecurity had risen in the area yet the police were doing little to contain the situation. Last month residents thwarted a robbery attempt at an Mpesa shop and recovered an AK47 rifle and 21 bullets which they took to the area MP's house since they suspected the police were involved.

Few days later, 20-year-old Vincent Owino was shot dead by police when he was fetching water. His mother Rosemary Aketch said she had sent her son to fetch water and was not involved in the street protest as alleged by police.

Ms Aketch said she has not received any communication or apologies from the authorities since the incident.

"The police have not even bothered to apologise to my family. My son was buried two weeks ago and I am yet to get justice and the Deputy County Commissioner is still in office despite protests by residents to have him transferred," said Aketch, who also wanted the police to produce the officer who shot her son.

Speaking during a fundraiser at Ugunja town, Mr Orengo said they would continue pushing for transfer of rogue officers who shot protesters dead at Ugunja.

The legislator said police must learn to integrate with the people who they are taking care of and the community in which they are maintaining law and order.

"Police are here to serve the people and not terrorise them," he said