Family Seeks Justice After Relative Killed in Ol Kalou By-Election Violence

By Faith Owuor

A family in Rurii Ward, Ol Kalou Constituency, is calling for justice following the death of their 45-year-old relative, who was allegedly attacked during Thursday’s parliamentary by-election.

The deceased, identified as Zacharia Gakinya, was reportedly assaulted by a group of armed individuals near a polling station shortly after exercising his democratic right to vote. According to the family, Gakinya had cast his ballot and was heading home when he was confronted and violently attacked, sustaining serious injuries.

He was rushed to the hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical care.

His death has sparked grief among relatives and residents, who say no Kenyan should lose their life for participating in the electoral process. Family members described Gakinya as a peaceful man who had simply gone out to vote, insisting he was not involved in any altercation before the attack.

The family is now demanding a comprehensive investigation into the incident and is urging security agencies to move swiftly to identify and arrest those responsible. They have called on the National Police Service and other investigative authorities to ensure that those behind the fatal assault are brought to justice.

The incident has once again raised concerns over election-related violence in the country, with residents questioning the level of security provided during the by-election. They argue that voters should be able to exercise their constitutional right without fear of intimidation, assault, or death.

Local residents have also appealed to the authorities to establish the motive behind the attack and determine whether it was politically motivated or a criminal act unrelated to the election. They say uncovering the truth will not only provide closure to the grieving family but also strengthen public confidence in the country’s electoral process.

As investigations continue, detectives are expected to record witness statements, collect evidence from the scene, and reconstruct the events that led to the fatal attack.