Omtatah, Governor Otuoma demand justice after KMTC student is shot dead in Busia
By Mustafa Juma, June 30, 2026Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and Governor Paul Otuoma have called for swift, independent investigations into the fatal shooting of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Busia Campus student Laura Wesonga during a police operation in Marachi Estate, Busia Town.
Taking to their official social media accounts on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the two leaders condemned the loss of the student’s life and urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and hold any officer found culpable accountable.
Laura Wesonga, according to Omtatah and Otuoma, was fatally shot on Monday evening, June 29, 2026, during a police operation targeting a suspected criminal gang known as “Jobless” in Marachi Estate.
In a statement shared via his official Facebook page, Governor Otuoma described the incident as heartbreaking, saying no innocent life should be lost during a security operation.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ms. Laura Wesonga, who was fatally shot during a police operation in Marachi Estate, Busia Town, yesterday evening. This loss of life is heartbreaking, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and the entire community during this difficult time.”
The governor said he had been briefed that the shooting occurred during a confrontation between police officers and members of the criminal gang.
“I have been briefed that the incident occurred during a confrontation between the police and a criminal gang operating under the name ‘Jobless.’ Marachi Estate is home to hardworking, peace-loving residents, and it would be unfair for the criminal actions of a few individuals to define the character of the entire community.”
While affirming the need to combat crime, Otuoma stressed that law enforcement agencies must protect innocent civilians during security operations.
“While criminality must be confronted firmly and decisively, law enforcement operations must always be conducted with the highest regard for the safety of innocent members of the public. It is deeply concerning that an innocent life was lost in the course of the operation.”
He called on IPOA to carry out a comprehensive probe into the incident.
“I therefore call upon the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to undertake a prompt, independent, and thorough investigation into this incident and ensure that any officer found to have acted outside the law or established policing standards is taken to task.”
The governor further urged security agencies to continue relying on intelligence-led operations that protect innocent lives while tackling criminal activity.
“At the same time, I urge our security agencies to continue embracing professional, intelligence-led policing that prioritises lawful arrests and the protection of innocent lives while dealing firmly with criminal elements.”
“Justice for Ms. Laura Wesonga must be pursued, while ensuring that law and order are upheld in a manner that protects the lives and rights of all citizens.”
Omtatah demands accountability
Omtatah also condemned the student’s death, describing it as an unacceptable consequence of a police operation.
In a statement shared via his official X account, the senator maintained that the National Police Service has a constitutional obligation to protect life and argued that no security operation should result in the death of innocent civilians.
Omtatah called for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation by IPOA and demanded that any officer found responsible be held fully accountable.
He also urged the National Police Service to embrace intelligence-led, professional policing that safeguards innocent citizens while dealing decisively with criminal elements.
Beyond the shooting itself, the senator appealed for calm amid heightened political tensions in Busia, warning political leaders against using violence or hired gangs to settle political disputes.
“In a democracy, dissent is a right. Not everyone must support you. Using hired goons to intimidate rivals and settle political scores is primitive, illegal, and unacceptable,” Omtatah said.
Calls for transparency
The death of the KMTC student has sparked outrage among residents and leaders in Busia, with growing calls for transparency over the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.
Both Omtatah and Otuoma insisted that while criminal gangs must be confronted decisively, security operations must strictly adhere to the Constitution and respect the sanctity of human life.
Their statements are expected to intensify pressure on IPOA to launch an independent investigation into the incident as Laura Wesonga’s family, fellow students and the wider Busia community seek answers over the circumstances that led to her death.