Police rule out politics as motive for Kwega's murder

Police in Kisumu have ruled out politics as motive of the murder for the murder of ODM parliamentary aspirant Sam Onyango Kwega on Monday that led to protests, which have spilled over to the second day. Read (Aspirant shot dead by gangsters)

Provincial Police Boss Mr Joseph Ole Tito on Tuesday said that Mr Kwega’s killing was not political, arguing that it was a case rising insecurity in the town.

“Initial investigations indicate that the killing was a random case of robbery,” said Mr Ole Tito.

“We have established that the victim was in possession of Sh1.3 million, which he was to deposit at a bank when before he was attacked by the criminals,” he said. “An eye witnesses said the gunmen asked the victim to hand over the money. He resisted and a scuffle ensued and that is when they shot him and his wife.”

Mr Ole Tito said detectives were making headway in the case and appealed to members of the public to assist by volunteering information that could help in apprehending the criminals.

“From the angle of the bullet entry and exit points on the victim’s car, it appears that one of the gunmen accidentally shot his partner on the leg. We are calling members of the public and hospitals to report anyone exhibiting gunshot wounds on the leg,” he said.

Meanwhile, the business community in Kisumu have said the city has become insecure and unattractive to investors.

They say insecurity has persisted considering that the country is headed to elections.

“The killing of Mr Shem Onyango comes barely a day after that of Dr Joseph Odhiambo who was killed in his home,” said Mr Israel Agina, the Chairman of Kisumu’s chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.