Two shot dead, three injured as protesters clash with police in Busia

Two youths were shot dead by police officers in Busia town on Tuesday evening following violent clashes between a group known as “Jobless” and the police.

The youth from Marachi estate on the outskirts of Busia town had on Tuesday taken part in demonstrations demanding the release of youth leader Edwin Wepukhulu, who had been arrested over allegations of damaging a police vehicle at the Korinda roadblock.

Witnesses say the two youths died on the spot after being shot by police yesterday evening, while three others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at a private hospital in Busia town.

Tension gripped the town for some time after the protesters carried one of the bodies around Busia town.

The demonstrators also condemned what they described as police brutality, alleging that the two were shot from behind while fleeing after tear gas was fired at them. They insisted that justice must be served for the two victims.

By the time of going on air, efforts to obtain a statement from the Busia police commander had not been successful.