Boda boda operator accidentally shot by police

A boda boda operator is nursing injuries at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu after he was allegedly shot by police in Jina area, Gem Sub County on Friday evening.

Joseph Omondi is said to have been shot when boda boda operators allegedly confronted three Administration police officers who were on a mission to crackdown on illicit brew within the village.

According to Gem OCPD Wambua Mutiso, the confrontation began when a section of villagers and the boda boda operators demanded explanation as to why the officers have been ‘disturbing’ illicit brewers from the region.

He said that the villagers also accused the officers of having developed a habit of taking bribes from the brewers at the expense of sticking to their mandate of providing security to locals.

Mutiso added that this prompted a serious confrontation which forced the police to fire into to the air for safety when the boda boda operator was accidentally shot and seriously injured in the thigh.

The OCPD said the man was then rushed to Yala Sub County Hospital and later referred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

Report by George Amolo