23/07/2023
Governor Wanga Visits Maandamano Victims, Condemns Police Brutality.
Homa Bay County Governor, H.E Gladys Wanga, accompanied by former Laikipia governor Nderitu Murithi, County Speaker Julius Gaya, County Assembly Majority Leader Richard Ogindo, MCAs from Homa Bay Town, and other leaders, visited the victims of police brutality during last week's anti-government demonstrations. They strongly condemned the excessive use of force by the police in managing the demonstrations.
First, the governor visited the homes and the center of police brutality in the Shauri Yako estate, where victims shared their experiences of being dragged from their homes, shot, and beaten, even if they weren't participating in the protests.
At the county referral facility, 15 people were admitted with gunshot wounds, fractures, and bruises from the confrontations. While some have been discharged, the remaining five victims recounted the events of last week and the lack of safety measures provided by those responsible.
Governor Wanga addressed the media, raising concerns about the handling of the protests by the police and government. She questioned the apparent targeting of leaders and members of the Luo community, emphasizing that similar demonstrations in other counties did not face the same brutality. Furthermore, she highlighted the withdrawal of security for Luo County governors, suggesting this was a form of ethnic profiling that would not be tolerated.
Governor Wanga also provided compensation of KES 10,000 each to the victims for their treatment expenses. She promised to address the issue of police brutality with the county security team, led by county commissioner Joseph Lilan.
