Policeman shoots dead Busia district official

The deceased, Kennedy Bwire Juma

MURDER|BUSIA

Busia district local government is mourning the death of its staff, who was allegedly shot dead yesterday evening by a Police officer guarding at the district.

Kennedy Bwire Juma, a bio-statician was gunned down as he left office, according to colleagues.

Busia district Police commander, Ezra Tugume, said Bwire was shot after he refused to stop when ordered by the Police officer.

He said the officer could have mistaken him for an attacker since he was coming towards him.

Tugume said the officer has been arrested as investigations start.

He said the suspect; Isaac Bunoti was on duty together with another one officer identified as Mastiko.

The district workers, who were gripped with fear, said it is common for them to remain in office until late hours.

A drug shop attendant opposite the district headquarters said she heard the Police officer shout stop, and a gunshot next.

The district chief administrative officer, Walter Iriama, described Bwire as a hero who died on duty.

"He attended a workshop the whole day, but came back to office to accomplish his assignment," Iriama said, adding that Bwire was a loyal and committed young man.

The acting district chairperson, Paul Oguttu, said the explanation given by the Police concerning Bwire's death was not convincing.

The deceased parents, Humphrey Ndiachi and Annet Achieng, who were still in shock described their son as obedient and said the explanation that he did not stop when ordered was strange.