Goon Attack on Linda Mwananchi convoy in Kisii Claims a Life
One person has been confirmed dead following a goon attack on a Linda Mwananchi convoy in Kisii on Friday.
Grief has engulfed the family of 36-year-old Vincent Osiemo, popularly known as Mapinduzi, at their home in Gionseri Village, Bobasi, Kisii County, after he succumbed to injuries sustained during Friday's political violence.
According to his family, Osiemo was travelling in the Linda Mwananchi convoy when it was ambushed by a group of youths armed with clubs and stones in the Keumbu area as the leaders made their way towards Keroka.
Videos captured during the attack show vehicles attempting to speed away as stones rained on the convoy.
It is during the chaos that Osiemo is said to have fallen from one of the vehicles before suffering fatal injuries.
"Osiemo was in my vehicle. As we slowed down at the Keumbu bump, youths started pelting us with stones. He was thrown out of the vehicle and continued being hit by stones as the attack intensified,” says Wilkins Michira, Osiemo's employer.
Osiemo, a father of three, was rushed to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
"This family has lost a courageous young man, and he was our pillar of support,” says his brother Oscar Osiemo.
"We do not want a repeat of the 2007 violence, please. Why must people be killed because of politics?"
Eight suspects linked to the violence have so far been arrested. Detectives probing the chaos have also summoned Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda to record a statement over the ugly incident.
The latest incident has sparked uproar, with opposition leaders accusing the government of failing to guarantee security during political activities.
They are now demanding the resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
"We now demand the immediate resignation of CS Murkomen. They are part of this gang,” says Presidential aspirant David Maraga.
"Young people should not be misused by politicians. We squarely blame the security forces for what is happening. If they are not ready to protect us, we shall also repulse them,” adds Obadiah Barongo, MP Bomachoge Borabu.
The sudden death of Vincent Osiemo has shattered his family. They are now demanding that the investigation agencies expedite investigations to apprehend all suspects behind the Keumbu attack on Friday.