- Police in the county have been clashing with demonstrators in major towns such as Bondo, Ugunja, Siaya and others since Wednesday.
- The third wave of the protests called for by the opposition entered its final on Friday.
Siaya governor James Orengo on Friday condemned what he described as police brutality against unarmed protesters.
Police in the county have been clashing with demonstrators in major towns such as Bondo, Ugunja, Siaya and others since Wednesday.
The third wave of the protests called for by the opposition entered its final on Friday.
Several people have been injured during the protests in Siaya County.
A man was reportedly shot dead by the police during the protests on Thursday in Bondo Town. Friends of the deceased identified him as Dave Agan.
On Friday, confrontations between the police and the rioters continued particularly in Bondo Town.
Governor James Orengo said he was saddened and appalled by police brutality.
" I'm appalled by the excessive force applied by the police against unarmed residents of Siaya who joined other Kenyans for a three-day nationwide protest against the high cost of living," Orengo said.
Such acts by the police, the Governor noted, are totally against the rule of law which the police should be upholding.
The governor further noted that the police are expected to always exercise restraint and conduct themselves with professionalism under all circumstances in the course of duty.
Orengo said the police must not allow emotions to dictate their work.
“Acts of brutality and violence inflicted by the police are unconstitutional and are tantamount to abuse of police powers,” the Governor noted.
Orengo said that he has written to IPOA regarding the excessive use of force by Police who fired live bullets and teargas canisters on the demonstrators in a bid to disperse and curtail their constitutionally protected rights.
For those injured during the protests, the Governor instructed the Department of Health to ensure they received the best possible care as they walk through their recovery paths.
"The county government will take care of the medical interventions in our county facilities," he said.
Governor Orengo also commiserated with the families and friends who lost their loved ones.
He assured them the county will walk with them through the difficult time adding that he will seek justice for their injustices.
"In view of the situation in the county and in the country generally, the Governor who has been in Siaya throughout the protests will personally follow up these matters to their logical conclusion," Ben Agina, who is the director of Orengo’s press unit added.
Orengo said that the Azimio leadership shall not relent until they secure justice for all its supporters.
According to Siaya's chief officer of health, Dr Samuel Omondi, a total of 10 people had gunshot wounds.
All of them were shot in Bondo Town according to the chief officer of health.
He said that one person however succumbed to the injuries.
"We have, since Wednesday a total number of 10 with gunshot wounds. One who was in critical condition was referred to Kisumu while one died," he said.
"We also had a referral to Siaya county referral hospital (SCRH) which has undergone a successful operation. One is admitted to the ward while three patients were treated and discharged," Dr Omondi said.