Residents of Keumbu village in Kisii County on Thursday accused Kisii police officers of allegedly being behind the death of a middle aged man who was accused of protecting illicit brewers.
According to the residents, the deceased, Mr. Jackson Ongera was a victim of circumstances, since he was a renowned priest in a local church, meaning it was a mistaken identity.
They called upon the Kisii OCPD to take action against a police officer who allegedly beat the victim before he succumbed to his injuries at the Kisii Teaching and Referral hospital.
“We want action taken by the government because everyone knows that our son has never shielded illicit brewers. He started the campaigns to having them routed out of the community through his preaching. Someone must take responsibility and the OCPD must answer that,” said Mr. John Moguche on behalf of the family.
They further requested the family to be compensated since the deceased was a bread winner, and he had two children in institutions of higher learning.
“We demand for compensation from the government because it is clear that he was beaten to death by a police officer. The government must take care the family members who have remained,” he added.
Kisii OCPD Mr. Solomon Kiragu urged residents to remain calm till the matter was investigated by authorities.
“The matter is under investigations and the residents must remain calm as we tackle the issue through an investigation,” he said when contacted over the matter.