According to Busia County Commissioner Mr Kipchumba Ruto, one person lost his life while ten others incurring injuries during Wednesday demonstrations.
The commissioner said the dead and the injured persons met their predicaments during the unlawful Azimio demonstrations after they were dispersed by the police officers.
He noted that during the demonstrations there was damage to the properties, looting, and stoning of vehicles within Busia and its environment.
“Azimio leaders including their supporters resorted to the unlawful assembly of which police disperse them, there was malicious damage to the properties, looting stoning of vehicles, and even youths clashing amongst themselves upon which one person passed on and, five police officers were injured in the process and are undergoing medication,” he said
The commissioner noted that 10 people were arrested and arraigned for participating in an unlawful demonstration.
The officer differed with reports of more killings and shootings, adding that police did not use live bullets to disperse the protestors.
“We do not know of any other person who was killed in the protest apart from the one we confirmed and we are also waiting for post more report to find out the cause of his death. Our officers used tear gas, not live bullets as others are saying, but the investigations are ongoing upon which any person who will be found to have taken part in the illegal assembly, looting of properties or even stealing they will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he noted.
Mr Kipchumba promised that the security officers in the county will track and deal with all unwanted gangs in Busia to maintain peace and order. He appealed to members of the public to remain calm.
“We are also going to dismantle criminal gangs within our jurisdiction. We don’t want them to continue causing mayhem here. We are pursuing them since Wednesday and we will make sure that we arrest everyone that was involved in causing destruction in Busia.
He added, “We are appealing to the members of the public to remain calm as police do their work by protecting them and their properties.”
Local leaders were among those who condemned the destruction that took place in Busia town, where Busia stadium was vandalized and properties were stolen.
Burumba Member of County Assembly Mr Tonny Onyango condemned police for using excessive force during Wednesday demonstrations.
“I want to condemn what happened on Wednesday. There have been demonstrations in Busia previously, but we have never witnessed what happened that day. I just want police to do their investigations so that the culprits are brought to books,” he said.
Busia County Executive Committee Member in charge of Land housing and urbanization, Mr Peter Odima urged Busia residents to remain calm as the authorities handle the matter.
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