Family cries for justice after son, 19, killed by police during alcohol crackdown in Bomet

A family from Masese village in Bomet County is appealing for justice after their 19-year-old son was killed by police officers.

Victor Kipng’eno Mutai was shot in the head on Tuesday during a police crackdown on the irregular sale of alcohol at Masese market.

In their homestead, family and friends stream in as they struggle to come to terms with the death of their kin.

Mutai had reportedly made his way to the market at around 7 pm on Tuesday last week when he encountered officers dressed in civilian clothing in a crackdown on the irregular sale of alcohol at Masese.

“Vurugu hiyo ilikuwa imepoa sasa nikauma kijana alete sukari so kijana yangu kufika hapo kwa sukari kumbe hao askari hawakukua wameenda,” says Livingtone Sang, the deceaced’s father.

Hillary Mutai, Victor’s brother, adds: “so this policer alitoka na bunduki na akakuja mahali fulani aka aim na akapiga risasi ndugu yangu an innocent brother an innocent person mwenye tu alikuwa anaenda kwa duka kununa vitu vile ata wewe unaweza tumwa.”

According to a post-mortem examination report, Victor died of severe bleeding caused by a gunshot wound to the head fired at range.

The family says that despite having recorded a statement with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), it is yet to receive any feedback in regards to their case.

“Vile tulimaliza hiyo maneno IPOA alileleza mimi kitu iliua kijana ni risasi mshipa inapeleka damu kwa kichwa imekatika so nilipouliza hao sasa tufanyaje wakasema tu ati watatuma report,” says Sang’.

“Tuko na uchungu sana mtu hakuwa ata ameingia college tulikuwa tumepanga aende shule this year tukichanga pesa ameuwawa hatumii pombe ni mcha mungu sasa itakuwaje kama hawa polisi ndio wanatuua na wanafaa kutuchunga,” adds Victor’s brother.

Two other people who sustained gunshot wounds during the raid are still receiving treatment in hospital.