17-year-old boy shot dead while attending wedding in Kilifi

A family in Maweni area, Kilifi County has been thrown into mourning following the death of their 17-year-old son.

Addressing the press, the family noted that their son, who was at a wedding ceremony, lost his life after being shot by a police officer.

The family recounted that the minor who was attending a wedding alongside his friends, was engaging his friends when a police officer showed up and shot him, killing him on the spot. A

According to the deceased’s father, postmorterm results indicated that the bullet went through his chest cavity damaging his lungs and heart.

He has since called on the government to intervene and ensure the officer involved is brought to book.

“Nimeshtuka sana, mtoto wangu alikua ameenda harusini na wenzake, vile kucheza chez na wenzake, kulitokea askari akampiga risasi akaanguka na akafariki hapo. Leo tumetoka postmorterm wameangalia, tumepata alipigwa risasi ya nyuma ikatokea na mbele, amevunjwa mfupa wa mapafu na juu na moyo. Naomba serekali imchukulie hatua askari aliyehusika,” the deceased’s father said.

Human rights organisation Haki Africa has since condemned the incident and called on relevant authorities particularly the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to swiftly act and ensure the officer involved faces charges.

“Sielewi kwa nini polisi walitumia risasi, kama shirika la haki Africa tunaomba kwamba IPOA waingilie kati swali hili, wainvestigate wale police officers ambao wametumia bunduki zao ile tuweze kupata haki kwa familia.” 

The motive for the shooting still remains unknown and police are yet to speak on the matter.

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