Police Officer Arrested After Raila Vigil Shooting
A police officer is in custody following a tragic shooting that claimed the life of a woman during a night vigil held in honor of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Homa Bay town.
The deceased, identified as Lucy Oketch, was reportedly heading home when she was struck by a bullet near the entrance of the Homa Bay Police Station on Thursday night. The incident occurred as mourners, many of them supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), marched through the streets in a peaceful candlelight procession to pay tribute to Odinga.
According to Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koklem, the situation turned chaotic when a section of the crowd allegedly began hurling stones at the police station. Officers stationed inside the compound tried to contain the situation, but one officer at the Occurrence Book (OB) desk fired his weapon as the crowd moved closer to the gate.
Witnesses say panic ensued as people scattered in different directions, unaware that a stray bullet had struck Lucy. She was rushed to the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead shortly after arrival.
Commander Koklem confirmed that the officer who fired the shot was immediately disarmed and taken into custody. “We have already arrested the officer involved, and he is being held at the same station pending further investigations,” he said.
The officer is expected to be arraigned in court on Tuesday, where he will face charges related to the fatal shooting. Meanwhile, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been notified and is expected to launch an independent probe into the matter.
The incident has sparked anger among residents and ODM supporters, who are calling for justice for the slain woman. Local leaders have urged the police to conduct transparent investigations and ensure accountability.
As the nation continues to mourn the death of Raila Odinga, the tragic loss of Lucy Oketch has cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a peaceful night of remembrance.
Police Officer Arrested After Raila Vigil Shooting
