After a three day of horror in Kisumu last week marked by loss of lives and beatings as fangs of police brutality reigned the area, various leaders and residents came out on Wednesday for a peaceful vigil to mourn the deaths and stand with the victims of the assaults.
Reports indicate that four people died while more than 70 residents sustained gunshot wounds across the county.
Horrific scenes were witnessed across the county as residents who were protesting over the high cost of living sustained serious injuries the number hitting 107.
58 residents were admitted and treated as inpatients in various hospitals across the county, 91 patients a history of police assault resulting from the injuries,
Speaker Elisha Oraro
Excessive force
Speaking during the vigil event held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Kisumu Speaker Elisha Oraro who represented the Governor and his Deputy at the event condemned the excessive force used by the officers during the protests.
“The police deployed to quell peaceful protests over the cost of living unleashed terror on the residents leaving some either killed or maimed in the worst of police brutality ever witnessed,” he said.
According to Oraro the police raided homes flushed people including the sick, the old and even children as they turned homes into battle scenes.
“58 residents were admitted and treated as inpatients in various hospitals across the county, 91 patients a history of police assault resulting from the injuries,” furthered Oraro.
As part of the Vigil the Governor as instructed the department of medical services to waive all the medical bills for all the victims in all county hospitals until 30th July
Speaker Elisha Oraro
Waiver
Some of the patients had between eight to nine bullets lodged in them highlighting the excessive force used by the police to quell the protests.
The County Government of Kisumu has now promised to waive all the medical expenses and mortuary bills for the victims.
“As part of the Vigil the Governor as instructed the department of medical services to waive all the medical bills for all the victims in all county hospitals until 30th July,” said Oraro.
Various activists and residents have also protested the alleged use of exercise force.Present at the event were CECs John Awiti, Ken Onyango, Judith Oluoch among other county officials.