Governor Wanga Condemns Extrajudicial Killings, Calls Out Ruto Administration

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has vocally condemned escalating police violence across Kenya, calling for stringent accountability measures and immediate legal action against those responsible for extrajudicial killings. 

Her denouncement follows a series of alleged police brutality incidents that have ignited widespread protests and renewed demands for justice. In a statement released on Wednesday, June 18, Governor Wanga criticises President William Ruto's administration, emphasising that the 10-point agreement between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) explicitly prohibits extrajudicial executions. Wanga says that while the ODM supports the broad-based government, the party is resolute in upholding human rights and will not tolerate unlawful police repression.

"We are holding the broad-based government to this commitment, drawing the line on extrajudicial executions," Wanga asserted, signalling that the ODM will continue to demand adherence to the agreement's provisions. 

She emphasises that illegal crackdowns and constitutional violations must not be overlooked, calling for an immediate halt to the disturbing trend of police brutality.

At the core of Wanga's concerns are several high-profile cases of alleged police misconduct. Among them is the death of Albert Ojwang, who reportedly died while in police custody, an incident that has triggered widespread community outrage. 

The suspicious circumstances surrounding Ojwang's death have amplified calls for a comprehensive investigation into police practices. Another case under scrutiny involves Calvins Omondi Onditi, a 36-year-old fisherman found dead inside Kipasi Police Post in Mbita. Authorities claim he hanged himself using his trousers, but Wanga has insisted that a post-mortem examination conducted at the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital will determine the truth. These incidents have intensified the debate on police accountability and the need for institutional reforms.

Wanga further condemns the shooting of Philip Oketch, a protester targeted during demonstrations against police violence. She also highlights the case of Boniface Kariuki, a hawker shot at close range by a masked police officer. 

"We watched a video of an unarmed young man selling masks, shot at point-blank range," she noted, describing the act as chilling and indicative of impunity within the police force.

Further, she draws attention to the severe injuries sustained by 34-year-old Gabriel Mwita Chacha, reportedly beaten by police officers on Ringiti Island. Wanga's remarks follow protests that erupted on Tuesday in multiple counties, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), over 22 demonstrators were injured in clashes with security forces.

In demanding justice, Wanga calls for the immediate prosecution of officers involved in extrajudicial killings and violence against citizens, urging authorities to ensure that perpetrators face the full force of the law. She argues that continued impunity would erode public trust in the police service. 

"Enough is enough. The perpetrators of these extrajudicial killings must face justice. The Kenya Police Service must carry its cross," she declared.