Family recounts final moments as woman shot by police officer in Nakuru is laid to rest

“We forgive the one who shortened my daughter’s life on earth and I am asking for your prayers as a community because I still do not believe that Laura is no longer with us,” she said.

Speaking at her daughter’s funeral on Saturday, Tabitha Kwasira recounted the family's hopes for Laura's recovery after surgery, only for her to succumb to her injuries due to excessive bleeding.

“My daughter was very hurt and just as we thought that she would get better after her surgery, she did not,” Tabitha said.

Tabitha added that Laura had suffered serious injuries to her internal organs, and her survival would have meant she endured immense pain.

“I decided to witness my daughter’s post mortem because I was not getting quality report on what killed her. Her stomach, intestines, pancreas, bladder and uterus were destroyed so even if she had lived, she would have suffered,” she added.

Laura's father, Josepaht Kwasira, revealed that Laura was shot five times from behind. 

The bereaved father further stated that he did not wish the pain of losing a child, on any parent.

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga also present at the funeral, assured the family that the implicated police constable remains in custody, with investigations underway.

“Investigations have started into the case. I spoke with IPOA Chairperson asking that they urgently take up the matter, and they did that. The ones who committed the crime will be dealt with the law. I will personally follow the case up,” he said.

However, Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale urged swifter action, challenging the need to wait for Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) reports.

“We want the DPP to immediately start the case after Christmas,” Khalwale said.

“It has not been provided anywhere in the Constitution that the DPP has to wait for IPOA to give you the report on your investigations. IPOA has nothing to do with this investigation. What we want IPOA to do is ensure that the police in question is laid off and that he immediately goes to Court,” he added.

In addition, the legislator criticized Chief Justice Martha Koome's proposed amendment to the Penal Code, questioning the appropriateness of extending rights to those responsible for such crimes.

“If the one who killed Laura should be given his rights, who then will give Laura her rights?” Khalwale queried.

“We cannot waste public funds discussing about the welfare of murderers. They are supposed to go where the person they killed has gone. We will change sections of the law so that murderers can be hanged,” he added.

Laura Kwasira succumbed to injuries hours after getting shot after a quarrel over an unpaid bill of Ksh.14, 250.

An autopsy conducted at the Nakuru Referral Hospital Morgue revealed she died due to excessive bleeding.