Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has called for an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Laura Wesonga during a police operation in Marachi Estate, Busia Town.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 30, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the incident and urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to conduct a swift and transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
According to Otuoma, Laura Wesonga lost her life during a police operation that took place in Marachi Estate on Monday evening. The governor described the incident as heartbreaking and extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, and the wider Busia community.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ms. Laura Wesonga, who was fatally shot during a police operation in Marachi Estate, Busia Town, yesterday evening. This loss of life is heartbreaking and I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and the entire community during this difficult time,” Otuoma stated.
The governor revealed that he had received preliminary information indicating that police officers were responding to a confrontation involving a criminal gang known locally as “Jobless.” The operation reportedly escalated into an exchange involving law enforcement officers and suspected gang members.
Despite the presence of criminal elements in the area, Otuoma emphasized that the actions of a few individuals should not define the image of Marachi Estate and its residents.
“I have been briefed that the incident occurred during a confrontation between the police and a criminal gang operating under the name ‘Jobless.’ Marachi Estate is home to hardworking, peace-loving residents, and it would be unfair for the criminal actions of a few individuals to define the character of the entire community,” he added.
The governor maintained that while police have a constitutional responsibility to combat crime and ensure public safety, operations should always prioritize the protection of innocent civilians.
He noted that the death of an innocent person during a security operation raises serious concerns and warrants an independent review to establish accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
“While criminality must be confronted firmly and decisively, law enforcement operations must always be conducted with the highest regard for the safety of innocent members of the public. It is deeply concerning that an innocent life was lost in the course of the operation,” Otuoma said.
The Busia governor subsequently called upon IPOA to take up the matter and carry out an impartial investigation into the shooting.
“I therefore call upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to undertake a prompt, independent, and thorough investigation into this incident and ensure that any officer found to have acted outside the law or established policing standards is taken to task,” he stated.
The Laura Wesonga shooting has reignited public debate over the conduct of police operations in residential areas and the measures put in place to safeguard innocent civilians during anti-crime crackdowns.
Otuoma further urged security agencies to continue dealing firmly with criminal gangs while embracing professional and intelligence-led policing methods.
“At the same time, I urge our security agencies to continue embracing professional, intelligence-led policing that prioritises lawful arrests and the protection of innocent lives while dealing firmly with criminal elements,” he concluded.
The incident comes just weeks after the Ministry of Interior disclosed that fewer than 600 police officers currently have active cases before IPOA despite the country having more than 110,000 serving officers.
The figures were revealed during a meeting held at Harambee House on June 17 between Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and a delegation from IPOA led by Vice Chairperson Anne Wanjiku and Chief Executive Officer Elema Halake.
According to the ministry, the number of active cases represents a small fraction of the national police service workforce.
“Less than 600 police officers out of the more than 110,000 currently serving have active cases before the Independent Policing Oversight Authority,” the ministry said in a statement following the meeting.
During the discussions, IPOA officials briefed the Interior Ministry on several reforms aimed at improving the handling of complaints involving police officers.
Among the proposals discussed were the development of standard operating procedures designed to ensure that cases attracting significant public interest are investigated and concluded more quickly.
IPOA officials also outlined plans for an Alternative Dispute Resolution policy intended to address administrative complaints that do not amount to criminal conduct but form the majority of cases reported against police officers.
Additionally, proposed amendments to the IPOA Act are currently under review with the aim of strengthening the authority’s oversight role and expanding its mandate.
As investigations into the Laura Wesonga shooting continue, residents and leaders in Busia are expected to closely follow the outcome of the IPOA probe and any recommendations that may emerge regarding police conduct and accountability during security operations.