On a tense Saturday afternoon, chaos erupted at Kakamega Referral Hospital when a group of angry youths stormed the hospital's morgue.
Their mission was to demand the release of two bodies belonging to individuals who died during the June protests that swept across the country.
This incident quickly escalated into a standoff with police, causing significant traffic congestion and heightened tension in Kakamega town.
The group of youths had planned to take the bodies to the Kakamega County government offices as a form of protest.
Their goal was to highlight their grievances and draw attention to what they see as injustices committed during the June demonstrations.
However, their plans were thwarted by a swift police intervention. Authorities had reportedly received intelligence suggesting that the removal of the bodies could spark further unrest, leading them to take preemptive action.
The confrontation between the police and the youths was intense. The police were determined to prevent the retrieval of the bodies, fearing it could lead to violence and disorder.
In the midst of the chaos, some youths were heard pleading with the police to allow them to proceed with their intended peaceful procession. "We are asking the police to give us peace so that we can orderly take the two bodies to their respective homes for decent burial. We have no issues with anyone," one youth voiced, reflecting the community's desire for a dignified farewell for their fallen comrades.
Family members of the deceased have also stepped into the fray, publicly stating that their relatives were not involved in the protests, contrary to allegations.
They are demanding justice for their loved ones, insisting that they were innocent victims. This assertion adds a layer of complexity to an already charged situation, highlighting the deep mistrust between the community and the authorities.
The youths' demands extend beyond the immediate issue of retrieving the bodies. They have called on the county government to waive hospital bills for all those injured during the protests.
This demand is rooted in the financial burdens faced by many families as a result of the protests. On June 28th, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa announced the waiver of hospital bills and funeral costs for some of the victims.
This gesture was intended to alleviate the financial strain on affected families, but it appears to have only partially addressed the community's concerns.
Governor Barasa has been vocal about his condemnation of the police's use of excessive force during the protests.
He specifically criticized the use of live ammunition against demonstrators. The governor pointed out that the protests had led to significant damage, including the vandalism and burning of 18 county government vehicles.
In his public statements, Governor Barasa has called for peaceful demonstrations and urged the youths to avoid provocation.
He warned that any form of violence could escalate the situation and provide an opportunity for criminal elements to engage in looting and other unlawful activities. Barasa's appeal for calm reflects a broader concern about maintaining order and preventing further deterioration of the situation.
The events at Kakamega Referral Hospital are a microcosm of the larger tensions that have been simmering in the region.
The June protests were a significant event, disrupting normal life in Kakamega town for over a week. Shops were closed, daily activities were halted, and the atmosphere was charged with frustration and anger. The clashes at the hospital are a stark reminder that these underlying issues remain unresolved.
The police and the county government are now under immense pressure to find a resolution that can restore peace and trust in the region.
The families of the deceased are seeking recognition of their loved ones' innocence and a proper investigation into their deaths.
They want assurances that such tragedies will not recur and that those responsible will be held accountable.
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