Family demands justice after kin shot dead by police outside M-Pesa shop while sending school fees

The family of 36-year-old Dennis Lubanga, who was allegedly shot dead by police in Mjini estate in Kibwezi, Makueni County on Tuesday, is now demanding justice for their kin.

At Mudembi village in Nambale, Busia County, an atmosphere of grief permeates Lubanga's home as family and friends gather to mourn the deceased.

Lubanga's family insists that the father of five was not involved in the anti-government protests and was standing at a shop when he was accosted by police who shot him at close range.

They add that the deceased had just spoken to his mother moments before his untimely death.

“Alikuwa ametoka kazini, na kuna mtoto alikuwa amefukuzwa hapa school fees, madhe alikuwa amempigia simu…akasema wacha niende kwa M-Pesa nikutumie pesa upeleke shule,” narrated the deceased’s brother Bernard Ekesa.

“Dennis alipotoka pale akienda kutoa pesa kwa M-Pesa, na alikuwa na mwenzake ambaye anaishi karibu na yeye, wakashootiwa wote wawili na askari.”

Having lost its breadwinner, the family is now at a crossroads and cannot even afford to pay for the repatriation of Lubanga’s body to its Nambale home.

“Naomba mnisaidie vile mwili wa kijana wangu inaweza ikarudishwa huku nyumbani. Sina mbele wala nyuma, ata tayari ameniwachia watoto sijui vile ntawasaidia,” Emily Lubanga, the deceased's mother said.

His father Joseph Lubanga stated: "Serikali iangalie kwa nini walishoot tu mtoto bila sababu…iangalie motto alishootiwa na makosa gani, kwa sababu ndiye alikuwa tegemeo kwa hii boma.”

The family is now calling for the prosecution of the officer who shot their son and is clinging on to hope that justice will be served for Lubanga.