Two shot as police battle youth demanding Miguna’s release

One person was on Tuesday shot dead and another injured during protests that erupted in Kisumu as youth demanded the release of self-declared NRM general Miguna Miguna, who was arrested in Nairobi on Friday last week.

Angry youth took to the streets early morning barricading roads with stones and burning tyres, bringing business to a standstill at the Kisumu buspark, Kibuye and Kondele areas.

A 34-year-old father of four who was a worker at the Ahero County Council was fatally shot as police dispersed the protesters in Ahero.

The body of the deceased was taken to Ahero sub-county hospital mortuary.

The father of the deceased said his son was not participating in the demos when he was struck by the bullet.

A 28-year-old man was also shot and injured as police engaged the protesters in running battles at the Kisumu Boys School roundabout.

Isaiah Ogutu Odhiambo, who was shot in the stomach, was rushed to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

Police declined to comment on the shooting incidents.

Similar protests were also witnessed in Migori and Homa Bay where youth took to the streets demanding Miguna’s release.

Meanwhile, the High Court in Nairobi on Tuesday directed the police to release Miguna on anticipatory bail issued by the court.

“If not yet charged then he remains free since there was an order that he be released on anticipatory bail,” read the ruling.

In his ruling, Justice Luka Kimaru further indicated that Miguna has a right to file appropriate suit seeking compensation for unlawful detention.

“It is evident that Miguna Miguna was kept in communicado,” read Justice Luka Kimaru.

“It was clear that the two did not obey the court and as public officers they should obey court orders…They acted in contempt of this court by not releasing Miguna Miguna,” read the ruling in part.

According to the charge sheet, which Miguna’s lawyers dismissed as defective and suspicious, Miguna was charged with being present and consenting to the administration of an oath to commit a capital offense namely treason contrary to Section 59 (a) of the penal code.