A post-mortem report released by human rights organisation Vocal Africa has revealed that the three people who lost their lives during the public viewing of the late Raila Odinga’s body at Kasarani died from gunshot wounds. The findings were presented to their families on Monday.
The deceased were identified as Vincent Otieno Ogutu, 36, from Umoja 3; Evans Onyango Kiche, 40, from Njiru; and Josfae Jida Burka, 42, from Lakisama.
Their deaths occurred as mourners gathered to pay their last respects to the former Prime Minister.
"Post-mortem reports indicate that Evans Kiche died from a single gunshot wound to the head, causing extensive damage to the skull and brain. Vincent Atieno succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest, with the bullet penetrating his internal organs," said Hussein.
According to the autopsies, Evans Kiche was shot in the head while Otieno Ogutu suffered a fatal gunshot to the chest. The bullets extracted from their bodies have been handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) for forensic testing.
One other victim has yet to be identified and remains at the City Mortuary.
In another tragic incident at Nyayo Stadium on October 17, Josephine Anjao Akeng’o, 41, from Kibra, died during a stampede as thousands queued to view Raila’s body near Gate Five.
A second unidentified victim also died in the chaos. Officials said that 163 people were injured, with 34 requiring hospital treatment.
Elsewhere, in Homa Bay, a woman identified as Yvonne Lucy was fatally hit by a stray bullet outside the Homa Bay Police Station while returning home from a vigil for Odinga.
Reports indicate that a police officer fired a warning shot to disperse a crowd, striking her accidentally. The officer has since been arrested and is being investigated by IPOA.
Vocal Africa Chief Executive Officer Hussein Khalid condemned the use of live bullets and excessive force by police, saying those responsible must be held to account.
