Family Frustrated as Post-Mortem for Slain Kin Is Delayed

The family of Vincent Ayomo says delays in conducting a post-mortem examination are preventing them from moving forward with burial arrangements and pursuing legal action after he was shot dead at a political rally in Kitengela.

Ayomo was killed when police disrupted a rally organised by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Witnesses said officers fired live rounds after using teargas to disperse the crowd.

His relatives state that since his death they have faced repeated administrative obstacles, which they say have prolonged their distress. They report being instructed to attend Nairobi City Mortuary for a scheduled post-mortem, only to be informed on arrival that no booking had been made.

Genga Ayomo, the deceased’s brother, said the family travelled overnight in expectation of the examination but were redirected to the local police station in Kitengela. He questioned why the arrangements had not been confirmed and expressed concern over the lack of coordination. 

The family fears the delays may affect the integrity of the process, as the body remains at the mortuary and burial plans cannot proceed. The situation has placed emotional and financial strain on Ayomo’s relatives. 

His sister, Mary Akinya, described the repeated trips between mortuaries and police offices as exhausting and costly. She said the family has received no financial assistance as they try to manage funeral preparations.

According to the family, Ayomo’s mother has been admitted to hospital due to stress, while his widow and child continue to struggle with the loss. Without the post-mortem, they say they are unable to take further steps towards burial or legal proceedings.

Corporal Musini Mwanzia, who oversees post-mortem procedures at Nairobi City Mortuary, said the examination cannot take place without a formal booking by the investigating officer. He said that the family had been referred to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations office in Kitengela to resolve the matter.