A form one student at St. Mathias secondary school in Busia town was allegedly killed by police officers who were dispersing youths during anti-government protests in the border town.
According to the school Deputy Principal Eliud Muhasi, the student was shot during the opposition demos when the demonstrators and the police engaged in running battles at Marachi estate in Busia town on Thursday.
The deputy Principal, however, said that Lewis Musungu didn’t report to school on the fateful day, thus being killed outside the school.
“We got reports that he was shot but I can confirm that he didn’t report to school that day and we don’t know what he was doing before he was shot.”
Lewis was rushed to Busia County referral hospital after he was shot in the chest but was referred to Bungoma although he died on the way.
“He had a gunshot injury on the chest and we could not handle it here so we referred him to Bungoma.
Unfortunately, he died before racing to Bungoma hospital.” states Busia County hospital nurse in charge Violet Omoto.
Following the incident, and the anti-government demos in Busia town, St. Mathias and several other schools within the town were closed due to the security of the learners, teachers, and non-teaching staff.
“Whenever there are demos we as a school are affected because some demonstrators run to hide in the school.
Tear gas is thrown into the school compound and sometimes bullets get their way to the school.” Explains Mr. Muhasi.
Other affected schools are Burumba Secondary, Brother Nicholas, St. Joseph’s Girls Primary, Our Lady of Mercy Secondary, and St. Teresa Girls Primary.
Busia county commissioner Kipchumba Rutto has said various government agencies are investigating the killing together with other alleged cases of police brutality in Busia town.
By Charles Ouma
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