A 21-year-old man from Mbande village in Malava Constituency, Kakamega County, is receiving treatment at Webuye General Hospital after being shot by police during a violent confrontation between officers and mourners on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident occurred when mourners were transporting the body of a relative to the home of a resident suspected of involvement in the murder of 23-year-old Douglas Lutta, who was brutally killed two weeks ago under unclear circumstances.
According to witnesses, tension had been brewing in the village since Lutta’s death, with residents demanding justice and accusing the suspect of playing a key role in the killing.
The mourners reportedly diverted the funeral procession and attempted to take the casket to the suspect’s compound as a form of protest.
Malava OCPD Suleiman Majondo confirmed the incident, saying police had received intelligence that the mourners planned to storm the suspect’s homestead.
“Our officers were deployed to prevent possible destruction of property and maintain order,” Majondo said.
“However, when police tried to stop the procession, some members of the crowd became violent and started throwing stones at the officers, prompting them to open fire to disperse the group.”
One mourner was shot and injured in the chaos before being rushed to Webuye General Hospital for treatment. His condition is reported to be stable.
Police have since launched investigations into the shooting as well as the earlier murder of Lutta.
The suspect believed to be linked to Lutta’s death is still at large, and police say efforts to arrest him are ongoing.
Local leaders and residents have condemned the incident, calling for calm and urging police to exercise restraint in handling civilians.
They also appealed for a speedy and transparent investigation to ensure justice for both the slain man and the injured mourner.
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