Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong has condemned the killing of innocent Kenyans in Butula Sub County. He said the killing of two watchmen at Butula market by suspected robbers and the killing of an innocent 14 year-old-girl, who was hit by a stray bullet, was uncalled for.
Three other people also suffered injuries after being shot at by police. “It’s unfortunate that police used live bullets to disperse residents of Butula who were practising their constitutional rights by peacefully demonstrating against increased insecurity which has resulted in the deaths of two watchmen. I call upon the police to beef up security in the entire county and fast-track investigations into the killings of the watchmen and the police officers who fired live bullets that killed the innocent girl and injured three other persons,” he said.
The visibly angered governor said sporadic killings of night guards should be brought to an end.
“I also take this opportunity to pass a message of condolence to the bereaved families. It’s my prayer that God will give them strength during this trying moment. My government is committed to the well-being of all the residents of this great county. Everybody counts and it hurts us to lose one of us in such a careless and brutal manner,” he said.
Two guards were found murdered at Butula market on Tuesday night. They were tied with ropes before being brutally murdered.
Following demands by irate residents, a sniffer dog allegedly traced one of the suspects among the Administration police officer. It is claimed the exercise was stopped when the sniffer dog appeared to focus its search in the AP camp.
A commotion ensued when residents attempted to revenge over the killings. This sparked off a bitter exchange, forcing the police to throw use teargas and even shot at the residents.
A girl who was going to the market to sell ripe bananas died instantly after being hit by a stray bullet. A middle-aged man was shot in the chest. He is recovering at the Busia County Referral Hospital.
Operations at the busy Butula market centres were paralyzed for most parts of the day with residents blocking the Butula-Bumala road. The irate residents smashed the window screens of the police van. They also brought down the AP camp’s gate.