'No burial until we know the truth!' Bungoma politician Joseph Kubende's family now says

The family of the late prominent Bungoma political mobiliser Joseph Kubende now wants the government to conduct speedy investigations into his death before he is laid to rest.

The 42-year-old is alleged to have jumped from the fourth floor balcony of GM apartments in Roysambu estate, before being pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

The family, led by David Shakama, said Kubende had secured a job in the United States of America just recently and had only come for an assignment in Rwanda before flying back.

“Serikali ifanye investigation ya kutosha, kwa sababu huwezi tuambia Joseph ametoka U.S akaenda kukaa na wenzake akawachwa pekee yake alafu akatoka kwa gorofa ameanguka. Joseph Kubende is a politician who has assisted a lot of politicians in Bungoma County and outside to get to leadership positions,” said Mr. Shakama.

“So we understand that he might be targeted by a few individuals, but we want to know the truth, and those people who were with him tunaomba uchunguzi ufanyike na wakuje watuelezee kama familia. We’re not going to bury Joseph kama serikali haijatuambia ukweli.”

Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa, who joined the family at their rural home in Bahai village, expressed reservations about the suicide claim, alleging instead that the deceased could have been killed.

He stated that has already reached out to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to take up the case from Kasarani Police Station, adding that everyone who was close with the deceased in the hours leading to his death should be investigated and the truth made public.

The legislator further called for a repeat of the post-mortem exercise saying the family members were not involved during the initial one.

“Wajinga waliisha Kenya, there is no stupid person in this country. You cannot tell me that a person who has just gotten international employment in the U.S, who was just visiting this country from Rwanda in the call of duty, can commit suicide,” said Barasa.

“Joseph Kubende is a very strong character, I have known him for vey many years. This is a gentleman whom when faced with difficult circumstances, will say it out, and he will be unwavered. So we’re asking on behalf of the people of Kimilili, and the family, that this matter can be properly investigated.”

Kubende’s death has left many people with more questions than answers as he is perceived to have been very instrumental in political campaigns in Bungoma County.

Kasarani police officers, according to a statement seen by Citizen Digital dated March 23, say Kubende was alone in the house at the time of the incident

“The injured was rushed to Jesse Kay Hospital in Lumumba Drive by Good Samaritans while unconscious and later referred to Radiant Hospital in Pangani for further medical attention,” read the statement.