Omtatah Condemns Fatal Shooting of KMTC Student During Police Operation

Okiya Omtatah Calls for Accountability Following Death of Laura Wesonga

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has called for an independent investigation into the death of Laura Wesonga, a student at KMTC Busia Campus, who was fatally shot during a police operation in Marachi Estate, Busia Town.

In a statement dated June 30, the senator expressed his condolences to Wesonga’s family, friends, fellow students, and the people of Busia, describing her death as a tragic loss of an innocent life.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ms. Laura Wesonga, a KMTC Busia Campus student, who was fatally shot during a police operation in Marachi Estate, Busia Town yesterday evening,” he said.

Okiya Omtatah Demands Accountability After Death of Laura Wesonga

Okiya Omtatah said law enforcement agencies have a constitutional obligation to protect lives and urged authorities to ensure accountability for the incident.

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He called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), saying any officer found responsible should be held fully accountable.

“The police have a constitutional duty to protect life. No law enforcement operation should result in the loss of innocent lives. Every operation must be conducted with professionalism, restraint, and full respect for the Constitution,” Omtatah stated.

Okiya Omtatah further urged the National Police Service to ensure future operations are intelligence-led and carried out professionally to protect innocent civilians while effectively addressing crime.

He also appealed for calm in Busia, urging that the county’s political tensions be de-escalated.

In addition, Okiya urged political leaders to embrace democratic principles, noting that citizens have the right to hold differing political views without fear.

Governor Otuoma Calls for Investigation Into Student’s Death

The shooting occurred amidst pre-existing, intense clashes in the town following previous public remarks made by Busia Governor Paul Otuoma targeting a local youth in the county.

Otuoma had threatened to evict the prominent “Jobless” youth group from Busia town after the group received a Ksh 2.4 million Toyota Voxy vehicle from an Alego Usonbusiaga politician to support their local business ventures.

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Meanwhile, the governor has joined Okiya in calling for an investigation following the death of Laura.

In a statement on Tuesday, June 30, Otuoma expressed sympathy with the victim’s family and insisted that those responsible should be held accountable if found to have acted outside the law.

Otuoma further said he had received a briefing indicating that the operation targeted a criminal gang known as “Jobless” following a confrontation with police officers.

However, he noted that the actions of suspected criminals should not tarnish the reputation of residents living in the area.

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