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A KMTC student, Laura Wesonga, was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire between police officers and suspected gang members in Busia Town on Sunday, June 29.
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According to preliminary reports, the officers had been deployed to protect business premises and members of the public from a wave of robberies and vandalism allegedly carried out by the gang, which identifies itself as “Jobless.” During the confrontation, gunfire erupted, and the student sustained fatal injuries.
The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), student, Laura Wesonga, was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire between police officers and suspected gang members in Busia Town on Sunday, June 29.
Laura was reportedly returning home from the gym when she was caught in the crossfire at Marachi Estate, where police had confronted members of a criminal gang said to be behind attacks on businesses and residents.
According to preliminary reports, the officers had been deployed to protect business premises and members of the public from a wave of robberies and vandalism allegedly carried out by the gang, which identifies itself as “Jobless.” During the confrontation, gunfire erupted, and the student sustained fatal injuries.
Her death has cast a pall of grief over her family, friends, classmates and lecturers, who described her as a hardworking, disciplined and determined student with a promising future. They said she was an innocent victim who had no involvement in the confrontation.
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The incident has also sparked renewed concern among Busia residents over the growing threat posed by organized criminal gangs.
Residents are now urging security agencies to intensify efforts to dismantle such groups while ensuring that operations to combat crime do not endanger innocent civilians.
The tragedy has reignited calls for enhanced public safety measures and greater accountability during security operations, with residents appealing to authorities to restore law and order in areas experiencing increased criminal activity.
Police had not released a detailed statement on the circumstances surrounding the shooting by the time of publication, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
By Ochola Victor
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