By Joshua Otieno | May 20, 2026
BUSIA, KENYA — National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) Party Secretary-General Amemba Magufuli has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of a young civilian, Fred Odhiambo, during recent demonstrations in Busia Town, calling for immediate accountability from security agencies.
Speaking after the incident, Magufuli accused police officers of using excessive force against unarmed youths who were exercising their constitutional right to protest.
“The use of deadly force against unarmed demonstrators is unacceptable and deeply troubling,” Magufuli said, demanding swift action against officers found responsible for the shooting.
He further urged law enforcement agencies to uphold professionalism and respect constitutional freedoms, warning that unchecked police brutality risks eroding public trust in security institutions.
In a separate statement, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah also condemned the incident, describing the loss of life during the demonstrations as painful and unacceptable.
“The events witnessed in Busia Town are painful and deeply disturbing,” Omtatah said. “The shooting of young people during the demonstrations, leading to the loss of life and leaving others seriously injured, is heartbreaking and must be strongly condemned.”
The incident has heightened tensions in western Kenya amid growing public anger over police conduct during protests and the rising cost of living.
Local leaders and rights groups are now calling on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority and the National Police Service Commission to launch transparent investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
They are also demanding a review of police deployment and crowd-control procedures during demonstrations to prevent further injuries and loss of life.
The Busia incident adds to increasing national concern over the handling of public protests, as pressure mounts on authorities to balance public order with the protection of constitutional rights.
