On May 9th 2023, a secondary school student named Jacinta Achieng’ was shot dead by a police stray bullet while on her way to school on board a motorcycle. The incident occurred while the police was following a public service vehicle around the Jua Kali area. The driver got out and ran which then let to the police opening fire in a public and crowded area.
Jacinta Achieng’ was among four people who sustained gun shot injuries but she was the only one who succumbed to the injuries. The deceased was rushed to hospital by good samaritans but she died before treatment. The motorcycle rider sustained an injury on his arm.
Two other victims sustained injuries following the disarray that followed the initial shooting. The police were allegedly pursuing the vehicle because the driver refused to pay a bribe of KES. 100.
The Kisumu County Anyang’ Nyong’o sympathised with the family of Jacinta and sent his condolences. He also expressed his concern on how the police handled the matter. He opined that the police should have used tear gas instead of live bullets to disperse the crowds.