Uasin Gishu: Family in Distress Over Alleged Police Shooting

A cloud of distress hangs over Kapchan Village in the Kuinet area of Soy Sub County, as 21-year-old Thomas Wekesa fights for justice following an alleged shooting incident involving Officer Josphat Kundi of the Kuinet Police Station. The incident, which occurred on May 9th at Bevali Supermarket Kuinet, has left Wekesa hospitalized and his family and community demanding answers.

Caroline Wekesa, a mother of four from Kapchan Village, recounted the harrowing experience of receiving a late-night call informing her of her son’s shooting. “Upon arriving at Kuinet trading center, tension was high, and members of the public were already demonstrating,” she said. “I followed up with my son at Palm Care Hospital where he was already receiving treatment. The incident caused shock and fear among Kuinet residents.”

The motives behind Officer Kundi’s alleged actions remain unclear. Witnesses suggest that Kundi, who was posted to the station last year, has a history of intimidating the public by brandishing his firearm. Eliud Kipchirchir, a witness, claimed, “The OCS fired to scare away members of the public and was targeting a Boda Boda rider with whom he may have had a personal vendetta.”

Furthermore, despite officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation visiting the victim and recording statements, there has been a lack of progress in expediting justice. Caroline Chelang’a, a neighbor to the victim, lamented, “We are now at a loss due to attempts to obstruct Wekesa’s justice. This is a poor family, and Wekesa was the sole breadwinner.”

In response to mounting pressure, Kimutai Kirui, an Eldoret-based human rights activist, has demanded the immediate arrest of Officer Kundi and called upon the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to initiate investigations. “This incident marks the first of its kind in the area, involving a police officer recklessly using his firearm,” Kirui stated. “It’s unfortunate that the matter has not been reported to IPOA. Police who have been accused in this matter cannot purport to investigate themselves.”

Consequently, following the outcry for justice from Kuinet residents, Officer Kundi has been reassigned to the Soy OCPD’s office. Soy Member of Parliament David Kiplagat visited the victim in the hospital but has since remained silent on the matter.

As the community waits for answers and justice, the plight of Thomas Wekesa underscores the need for transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies, ensuring that such incidents do not recur.