The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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A family in Ugenya sub-county is pursuing justice after their 36-year-old relative tragically died in what they claim was a police vehicle running him over in West Ugenya location. According to the family, the Police Land Cruiser, involved in an auction exercise on December 28, 2023, reportedly crashed into Austine Odhiambo, who was attempting to document the auctioning of their three in-calf cows.
Boniface Opondo, Austin’s father, explains that the deceased met his demise when police officers executing the auction order allegedly dragged him, causing him to fall and be run over by the Land Cruiser. Opondo states that Austin had unsuccessfully questioned the auction of the cows and had decided to capture photos on his phone when an officer allegedly restrained him, resulting in the tragic incident.
Mzee Opondo adds that the deceased fell before being run over by the Land Cruiser’s rear tire. Austin was rushed to the nearby Ukwala sub-county hospital, where he passed away upon arrival.
Roseline Awino, the deceased’s mother, expresses the family’s frustration with the security agencies in the region since the incident occurred. Collins Otieno, Austin’s younger brother, recounts their disappointment when they discovered that the police station’s statement had been distorted, prompting them to seek the intervention of the County Police Commander’s office.
A neighbor, Enock Otieno, who claims the officers lacked a legitimate auction order, accuses the police of overstepping their authority and calls on top security agencies in the county and region to intervene for justice.
West Ugenya Ward’s Member of the County Assembly, Oduor Odongo, condemns the incident during his visit to the family, demanding justice and vowing to ensure accountability for the responsible police officer.
Rhema Auctioneers from Bungoma allege that Lucy Akinyi Owino, once married to the deceased, owed a debt of Ksh. 13,800 to First Community Savings and Credit Co-operative Society Limited, with an additional auctioneer’s fee of Ksh. 81,300.
Siaya County police commander Cleti Kimaiyo confirms the incident, acknowledging conflicting reports on the circumstances leading to Austin’s death. Kimaiyo asserts that he has ordered the County Criminal Investigations officer to take over the matter, assuring the family that if an officer is found culpable, they will face consequences.
