Autopsies on the bodies of the victims who died at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums during public viewing of the late Raila Odinga’s body last week have confirmed that those who died at Kasarani succumbed to gunshot wounds.
The families of Vincent Otieno Ogutu, aged 36, from Umoja 3; Evan Onyango Kiche, aged 40, from Njiru; Josfae Jida Burka, aged 42, from Lakisama; and Josephine Anjao Akeng’o were presented with the findings on the causes of death of their loved ones.
Bullets recovered from the bodies of Evans Kiche and Vincent Otieno Ogutu have been handed over to the Independent Police Oversight Agency (IPOA) for further forensic analysis, while one unidentified body remains at City Mortuary.
“Three males and two females, young adults. On two of them, we have found penetrating gunshot wounds to the head, with severe damage to the brain. A third victim had a gunshot wound that penetrated through the chest and abdomen, causing tendon injuries to both chest and abdominal organs. The fourth victim, from Nyayo Stadium, died from what we call ‘fixed here’—a condition consistent with suffocation,” said Government Pathologist Benard Midia.
Families are now demanding justice and answers on what transpired at Kasarani and Nyayo.
“It seems whoever shot Vincent had a motive. Ni kitu alikuwa ame-aim na alikuwa ametarget kumshoot kwa roho na alijua akifanya hivyo atamuua. I want this question answered: why did this person shoot him on the chest, directly targeting the heart?” Paul Nyalo, Brother to Vincent Otieno, said.
“Naomba tu justice tafadhali, ni uchungu sana. Tunataka compensation na kumake sure livelihoods yao wanapata,” added Jida Burka’s relative Jida Choke.
IPOA will seek answers on the firearm that discharged the bullet found in Vincent Otieno Ogutu’s body, as well as the remnants of the bullet lodged in Evans Kiche’s skull at Kasarani Stadium.
“Clearly, we have a problem in this country where police officers—particularly elite units—shoot to kill, as has been said many times by those in authority,” said Vocal Africa Activist Hussein Khalid.
Meanwhile, teams from IMLU, human rights activists, and detectives from DCI Kasarani and Lang’ata have confirmed the killings of the four victims.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who was present, said he would hire lawyers on behalf of the families to help them seek justice.
As families prepare for burial, the question—or the puzzle—of who is responsible for the deaths of the mourners at Kasarani and Nyayo still remains.
By Ode Francis
