The number of people who died from the violent confrontation between police and residents of Isulu, Ikolomani, on Thursday has risen to four after one of the victims succumbed to gunshot injuries while undergoing treatment at the Kakamega County General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Three others with gunshot wounds are still admitted at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu. Two police officers attacked during the skirmishes also remain in critical condition. Police have since arrested 63 people among them two Members of County Assembly in connection with the unrest.
Families in Mourning as Bodies Are Identified
Hours after the clash, grief-stricken families gathered at the Kakamega County Funeral Parlour to identify the bodies of their loved ones. Among them was the family of 30-year-old carpenter Conrad Ashioya, who, according to relatives, had stepped out briefly to pick up a tape measure when chaos erupted.
“Ashioya nilimtuma aendee tape measure vile alifika nikaskia risasi. Nikaenda kuona nikapata ndugu yangu ako chini amepigwa risasi. Sijui ni nini ilikuwa inaendelea nataka haki,” said his brother Edgar Wekesa, struggling to steady his voice.
His father, Edward Kahavi, described him as the pillar of the family.
“Yeye amekuwa tegemeo yangu, macho yangu. Tunaomba serikali ituangalie, watuambie ni nini ilifanya mtoto wangu auliwe,” he said.
Ashioya, according to the family, was shot in the leg while he was standing outside a shop.
Survivors Recount Moments of Terror
At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital, survivor Victor Alvin said he was lucky to be alive after being shot during the protest.
“I just felt something pierce through me, and everything went blank. I thank God I survived,” he said from his hospital bed.
Two other victims remain admitted in the same ward.
Night Raids and Anguish as Families Demand Releases
Dozens of relatives camped outside the gates of Kakamega Central Police Station, demanding the release of their loved ones arrested during the overnight operations. According to residents, police stormed homes deep into the night, breaking doors and rounding up people indiscriminately.
“Tulikuwa tumelala usiku tukasikia mlango ikibishwa na mabati kugongwa. Wakaingia wakachukua watoto na baba yao. Nikaambiwa nitoke nje nikapigwa kofi,” said Seferina Muhandachi of Isulu.
Another resident, Nancy Luseno, said officers came looking for her 14-year-old son at 4:30 a.m.
“Waliniambia ‘Mama Allan fungua mlango tunataka Allan.’ Nikawauliza- jana mkimchukua hamkumrudisha,” she said, still shaken.
Residents Protest Allegations over Gold Mining
Residents now accuse the government of deceit in plans to acquire their land for a gold mining project estimated at KSh 680 billion, arguing that they had never been meaningfully involved in the process and opposed the involvement of private companies.
“If the government has agreed with us to mine gold, they must advertise the tender worldwide. Shanta is a private entity hatuwajui,” said resident David Makatiani.
Police Response and Ongoing Tensions
The police commander of the western region, Issa Mahmoud, confirmed the arrests, including that of Akedius Liyayi from Idakho Central MCA and nominated MCA Ann Mulwale, whom the police accuse of financing the unrest. He said officers were still searching for a missing magazine loaded with 16 bullets.
“Mwenye kugonga ofisa kichwa tumeshamshika. Mwenye kuharibu mali ya shule tuko nao. We have the real guys, na hatuchoki,” Mahmoud said. High tension remains in Isulu, with heavy police deployment to deter any further protests as investigations continue.
