4 dead, over 26 injured in poll chaos in Nyanza, Machakos

Three people have been killed and more than two dozens injured in chaos related to repeat presidential election in Nyanza.

Two of the victims died after police and anti-election protesters, allied to the National Supper Alliance (Nasa), clashed in Kisumu and Homa Bay on Thursday.

MOB ATTACK

The third, an unidentified man, was killed when a mob attacked him in the wee hours of Thursday morning at Car Wash in Migosi Ward.

The man shot in Kisumu died while undergoing treatment.

According to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital Chief Executive Officer Juliana Otieno, Mr George Odhiambo succumbed to gunshot wounds.

Of the 16 casualties rushed to the hospital by 2pm on Thursday, at least six suffered gunshot wounds, doctors said.

The victims claimed they were dragged out of their houses and clobbered as some were shot by anti-riot police.

Mr Odhiambo was allegedly shot at Mamboleo.

He suffered gunshot wounds on the thigh and the groin and was bleeding profusely before he passed on.

Mr Chrispine Ochieng, 20, who is receiving treatment at the hospital, claimed he was shot in Nyalenda after he was dragged out of the house.

BULLET

He also sustained a gunshot wound in the groin and is currently admitted to the hospital.

Mr Bernard Osiako, another patient, said he was on his way from town when he was hit by a bullet on the shoulder at Muskiti area near Kondele.

"The police officer who shot me was at the fly over. I was not part of the demo," said Mr Osiako, a mechanic.

Others who were also injured were Samuel Ooko who was shot on the knee in Mamboleo, while Godfrey Ochieng suffered gunshot wounds on the neck in Manyatta.

Mr Duncan Baraza, 26-year-old Joyce Omollo and Brian Omondi were clobbered at Nyalenda, Manyatta and Wathorego estates, respectively, and suffered injuries on the limbs, back and head.

In Homa Bay, A 14-year-old pupil was shot dead after police and Nasa protesters clashed.

Eight others got various body injuries as they protested in the streets.

Titus Caltex Ngudi, who is a pupil at a local private school in Sindo Town, was shot at their home.

Witnesses said police officers, who were quelling protests in the area, opened fire as they battled to restore order.

THE BODY

"He was seated at the door when a bullet hit him. He fell immediately on the ground," said a neighbour.

Police officers took the body to Kirindo mortuary after the incident.

At Homa Bay Hospital, seven youths were admitted with various body wounds.

The seven are said to be among a group of protesters who defied Nasa's call to stay away from polling stations.

The hospital management said two of the protesters had gunshot wounds.

INJURIES

The hospital’s acting chief Executive Officer Dr Meshach Liru said one of the victims was brought on Wednesday evening from Sindo town in Suba South Sub County.

"The man got injuries when violence broke out at Sindo market. Six other victims got blunt injuries and will be treated and discharged," said Dr Liru.

The doctor said the hospital is facing problem in attending to violence victims as most health staff are still on strike.

"Doctors and nurses who have agreed to report to work have expressed concern over violence. We are currently understaffed and unable to perform our duties well," said Dr Liru.

Some of the victims we spoke to said they were victims of circumstances.

Mr Nick Odwar  said he was attacked by police officers as he was walking home.

POLICE

Homa Bay County Police Commander Marius Tum has acknowledged the incidents but has said police were investigating to ascertain if the death and the injuries resulted from police brutality.

In Machakos County, A Form Two student was shot dead and two other people hospitalised with bullet wounds after police allegedly fired live bullets at demonstrators in Athi River.

The demonstrators had barricaded roads in Makadara estate in Athi River, blocking access to Export Processing Zone before police moved in to disperse them.

They used old tyres to light bonfires, protesting against holding of the repeat presidential poll in the county.

The body of the unidentified boy was lying at Mutonguni Hospital, where the other two victims were getting treatment when the Nation visited the facility at 1.30pm.

A medic at the hospital, who requested not to be named because he is not authorised to speak on behalf of the hospital, said the deceased was shot on the right side of the chest.

BULLETS

Two survivors, John Mutua and Mildad Lodenyi, had bullets lodged in their legs but the doctor said they were out of danger. 

Mutua said he was on his way home when he was shot.

"I was not aware of the demos. I was going home when police shot me while confronting demonstrators who had barricaded roads," Mr Mutua said.

Ms Lodenyi said she was in her house when police stormed and shot her.

"I was doing my chores in the house when police stormed and shot me in the leg. Doctors say I have a bullet lodged in the leg but I do not have money needed for an operation," Ms Lodenyi said. 

When police got wind that journalist were interviewing the victims, they ordered them to leave.

"If you are not a patient or a medic in uniform leave here at once," a senior officer ordered.

Reported by Rushdie Oudia, Benson Matheka, Barack Oduor and Elisha Otieno.