In brief
A BBC investigation uncovered that three mourners were killed by Kenyan police during the national farewell for former prime minister Raila Odinga. The victims had not joined any clash and were located far from any confrontation. The police unit, believed to be elite presidential protectors, opened fire when confronted with objects being thrown at officers. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority remains in charge of the inquiry and no officer has been held accountable. Kenyan citizens demand clearer accountability and accountability for misuse of force.
The national farewell for former prime minister Raila Odinga was held on 16 October at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium, a venue chosen after mening that the original indoor seating at parliament could not cope with the crowds expected to head to that venue.
The event saw thousands of Kenyans assemble to pay their respects as the former opposition leader flew back home from India where he died the previous day. The large crowd was largely peaceful, but objects, including plastic chairs, were thrown at police guarding the VIP section. Police responded in the middle of an attempt by mourners to breach the pavilion.
BBC Africa Eye’s investigation examined more than 1,500 images and videos to map the location of the three victims, each 60 to 160 metres away from any scuffle. They were shot by rifles that were fired by an elite police unit believed to be responsible for presidential protection. No clear evidence points to a single shooter, and the bullets’ exact trajectory remains unsettled.
The Interior Minister said the police had been pressured after long hours of duty and were relocated to the venue abruptly. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority is still probing the incident and has yet to formally name any officer in charge of the shooting.
Victims Evans Kiche, Vincent Ogutu and Jidah Burka, who were part of a large fraternity of mourners, were all shot in the head or chest. An autopsy confirms the fatal causes of death. The families of the deceased now call for accountability, citing a stark lack of transparency in determining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
