Scars of conflict: Kisii victims' calls for justice remain unanswered

The victims of the face-off witnessed at a bursary function led by Kisii Governor Simba Arati are yet to get any redress as they nurse their injuries, while their children, who were seeking bursaries, are yet to go to school in the wake of the incident.

These were the scenes witnessed on 8th January 2024 at Nyakembene Market when a fierce shooting ensued during a bursary issuance public function presided over by Kisii Governor Simba Arati. 

When the dust had settled and the gunshots fallen silent, a trail of destruction of property and injuries to persons was all that was left. Some of those in attendance were seriously shot at while some are still in utter shock to date.

Three months later, families who were directly affected by the ugly incident are still languishing in villages with unimaginable pain, living with scars. 

Robert Ongeri Asiago, of RianguBo Village in Boikanga Ward, South Migirango, has been reduced to using crutches as a walking aid. For the last three months, this has been his reality.

He is in perpetual pain and can no longer fend for his family because of the injury he got while fleeing from the epicenter of chaos in Nyakembene.

"Upon waking up on the 8th, I went to Nyakembene to seek bursaries for my children. When I arrived, we were given forms to fill. At around 8 o'clock, during the speeches, I heard children telling others not to run as gunshots rang out. That's when I took cover in a trench and got injured," said Robert Asiago.

He left the meeting with injuries and without accomplishing his goal for the visit. Both he and his children are now confined to home.

"On that day, my children haven't gone to school until today when they were expelled. I have been breaking stones to get gravel, but it has become hard," Asiago added.

Ongeri's family now wants politicians to listen to them.

"As Kisii leaders continue to harm us, who will vote for them again?" asked Robert Asiago.

It is more than two months since chaotic scenes were witnessed in Nyakembene. Ongeri is one of the victims who are still bearing the brunt of the chaotic skirmishes witnessed at Nyakembene Market and is now appealing to the authorities to delve into the matter for justice to be served.

Several kilometers from Boikanga, we are also meeting Fred Anyona at Nyabigege. He is a father of three. 

On 8th January, he was captured bleeding profusely after he was shot in the left ear, followed by a special surgery. These pictures tell it all. Anyona is equally lucky to be alive.

"On that day, I saw blood coming out of my left ear. Looking, I found it had been cut to the back. A good Samaritan carried me to the hospital," said Fred Anyona, victim of the Nyakembene shooting.

Interior CS Prof. Kithure, while on a tour in Kisii on two different occasions, vowed to arrest the suspects behind the ugly incident within 7 days.

"I want to repeat again, we are set to arrest in a few days' time and we shall make sure that we nip this problem in the bud. We shall not consider your political position," said Prof. Kithure Kindiki, CS Interior.

"Kindiki has been saying that people are being arrested, but we have not seen anything yet," added Fred Anyona, victim of the Nyakembene shooting.

We caught up with victims' pro bono lawyers.

"We were expecting that pursuant to the provisions of the constitution, by this state we shall have been able to get a communication from the ODPP. To our utter surprise, nothing is forthcoming," said Zelma Bonuke, lawyer.

"Victims who were crippled, we are asking what can we do now. We are going to institute private prosecution, where we are going to prosecute on behalf of victims of Nyakembene," added Hillary Ongori, lawyer.

The victims and the general public are still waiting to see the trajectory the Nyakembene case will take as victims cry for justice in far-flung areas of Gusii region.