Grief, tears as Nyanza residents remember victims of protests

At the JOOTRH mortuary, tears flowed freely as four families, who lost their loved ones during the protests, lit candles, sang and prayed in memory of their departed kin.

Caroline Otieno, who lost her husband Erick Omondi, was inconsolable. "His death is a big loss for us as a family," she said as tears rolled down her chicks.

At Kondele, Michael Ouko who sustained injuries on his leg after he was allegedly attacked by police officers, condemned the security agencies for using excessive force on protesters.

"We are lighting the candles because it is important to show empathy to all those who were affected by the protests and its aftermath. We must stand against police brutality," he said.

Ouko claimed he was beaten by police officers as he walked home on Thursday last week during the second day of the three-day weekly protests.

"One of the officers threatened to kill me and even cocked his gun, but he did not shoot," he said as he lit a white candle.

Brian Otieno, who was injured in his arm, also braved the pain to participate in the candle-lighting ceremony. He said he was discharged from the hospital on Saturday.

Kisumu governor Anyang Nyong'o. [File, Standard]

In Homa Bay, Governor Gladys Wanga announced that she will meet the medical bills of police brutality victims in her county.

Wanga led residents in lighting candles to remember victims of police brutality at Rusinga Island Lodge in Mbita Sub-county on Wednesday.

The governor, who was accompanied by her deputy Oyugi Magwanga, the County Assembly Speaker Julius Gaya, Clerk Faith Apuko, and Majority leader Richard Ogindo in marking the occasion, said she will not abandon any Homa Bay resident who is grappling with hospital bills in the county.

Speaking during the occasion, Wanga said the entire county government leadership is in solidarity with the victims of police brutality and their families.

"All Homa Bay County residents who suffered police brutality are going to have their hospital bills cleared. We are in solidarity with police brutality victims and their families," Wanga said.

The governor said families who lost their loved ones will also be supported with funeral arrangements.

"We are sending our condolences to all our people who lost their loved ones. We will support their burial arrangements," Wanga said.

In Kisii, residents gathered at Capital Roundabout and lit candles to mourn those who died. While some carried candles, others carried flowers.

Kisii is among the areas that were massively affected by the protests that left five people dead. The dead included a Kisii National Polytechnic student who was caught by a stray bullet.

Residents blamed police officers for using brutal force on unarmed protestors.

[Reports by Anne Atieno, Sharon Owino, James Omoro, and Sammy Omingo].