Raila wants Kindiki, Koome prosecuted over killing of protestors

Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga and other political leaders during the burial service of the late Henry Ongoma Oparanya at Emabole primary school, Butere Sub country in Kakamega county on July 13, 2024. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Azimio leader Raila Odinga has demanded the prosecution of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, former Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome, and Nairobi regional police boss Adamson Bungei over the killing of protesters.

Raila wants the three to take responsibility for the killing of protesters during the recent anti-government protests and the dumping of bodies in Kware, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Nairobi.

The Azimio leader was speaking in Mabole village, Butere constituency, Kakamega county, during the burial of ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya’s brother, Henry Ambetsa.

"We are demanding the arrest and prosecution of Kindiki, Koome, and Bungei for overseeing the killings of Gen-Z protestors and dumping them in a thicket to conceal evidence. That is a heinous act and cannot go unpunished," said Raila.

“Last year, over 75 youths were killed during anti-government protests, and this year, the number has gone up, and as we speak, we don’t know how many have died. Even up to now, we are still retrieving more bodies in Kware of people who were killed like animals,” he added.

Embakasi South MP Julius Mawathe accused unnamed people and government agencies of killing innocent Kenyans and dumping their bodies in Kware dumpsite.

“It is so sad that we are retrieving bodies of dead people in Kware wrapped in sacks. Those killing our people, please, as Embakasi South, people we are demanding you stop dumping bodies in Embakasi," said Mawathe.

“We want answers and accountability from the government on how those bodies found their way to Kware. It is so bad for the police to teargas and shoot our people when they come to see what is happening in their area, that is so inhumane,” he added.

Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje argued that the resignation of Inspector General Japhet Koome does not mean that the evil acts and killings of people that took place in Nairobi have come to an end and demanded that Bungei should also step aside.

“We have many of our youths who are still missing to date, and yet we are seeing bodies of young people being retrieved from a dumpsite in Kware. The resignation of Koome is not enough. We want Bungei to step aside and charges be pressed against them so that they can tell Kenyans the whereabouts of our missing youth,” said Mwenje.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa called on security agencies to hasten the probe on bodies recovered from Kware dumpsite.

The nine mutilated bodies at various stages of decomposition were recovered from the Kware dumpsite on July 12 and 13.

“As a leader, I take this opportunity to condemn the brutality on our young people, it is unethical and immoral for our people to be mutilated in that inhumane manner. The government must unearth what transpired and take action on the culprits,” Barasa said.

The governor was speaking when he attended service at Holy Cross Bulimbo Catholic Church in Kholera ward, Matungu constituency.

He also faulted the police for using excessive force on Gen Z protesters across the country.

“They have a right to demonstrate, and they should not be killed. And now we see young people’s body parts found dumped in that area. The government should take action to ensure the affected families get justice,” he said.

Barasa further welcomed the dialogue between President William Ruto and Raila, saying there’s a need to restore calm in the country.

Kakamega deputy governor Ayub Savula, said Koome and Bungei should face crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court.