Family of slain bar owner demands justice as cop faces murder charge

The family of Laura Kwasira, a 26-year-old bar owner who was shot and killed by a police officer at a club in Nakuru on Wednesday night, is demanding justice for their loved one. Kwasira was one of the four victims who sustained gunshot wounds when Police Constable Nicholas Musau opened fire indiscriminately at Vegas Bar along Moi Road in Nakuru City. One of the victims, a 30-year-old bartender, died on the spot, while Kwasira succumbed to her injuries at Nakuru Level Five Hospital on Thursday. The other two victims, Benjamin Kote and Edwin Apungana, are still receiving treatment at the same hospital.

According to a police report, Musau, who was attached to Nakuru Central Police Station, had picked a quarrel with the bartender over a bill for drinks he had taken. He then brandished his gun and started shooting people randomly. He was arrested shortly after the incident and disarmed. A Jericho pistol with two rounds of 9mm ammunition and six spent cartridges were recovered from him. He is currently being held at Kaptembwa Police Station and will be charged with murder once investigations are completed.

Kwasira's family, who spoke to the media at their home in Majengo ward, Mombasa County, said they were shocked and saddened by the brutal killing of their daughter. They described her as a hardworking and ambitious woman who had ventured into the hospitality industry to support herself and her two children. They said she had moved to Nakuru a few months ago to open her own bar after working as a waitress in Mombasa for several years.

"She was a very loving and caring person. She always helped us whenever we needed anything. She was also a good mother to her children, who are now orphaned. We don't understand why someone would kill her like that. She didn't deserve to die," said her mother, Mary Kwasira.

Her father, John Kwasira, said they were waiting for the post-mortem report to confirm the cause of death. He said they had been informed by the hospital that she died from excessive bleeding. He said they wanted the police officer to face the full wrath of the law for taking away their daughter's life.

"We want justice for our daughter. We want the police officer to be punished for what he did. He should not be allowed to walk free after killing innocent people. He should pay for his crime," he said.

The family also appealed to the government and well-wishers to help them with the funeral arrangements and the upkeep of Kwasira's children. They said they were facing financial challenges and could not afford to transport the body from Nakuru to Mombasa for burial. They also said they did not have enough money to cater for the education and welfare of the children, who are aged four and six.

"We are appealing to anyone who can assist us to come forward and help us. We are in a very difficult situation. We don't have enough money to bury our daughter or take care of her children. We need your support and prayers," said her brother, Peter Kwasira.

The incident has also sparked outrage among the residents and business owners in Nakuru, who condemned the police officer's actions and called for an end to police brutality. They said they were living in fear of being harassed or killed by rogue officers who misuse their firearms. They urged the police to respect the rights and lives of the citizens and uphold professionalism and integrity in their work.

"We are very angry and scared by what happened. This is not the first time that a police officer has shot and killed someone in this town. We are tired of this kind of behaviour. We want the police to protect us, not to kill us. We want them to be accountable and responsible for their actions," said James Mwangi, a resident.

The incident has also drawn the attention of the national government, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai condemning it and promising to ensure justice is served. They said they had ordered a thorough investigation into the matter and vowed to take stern action against the officer involved. They also expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a quick recovery.

"We are deeply saddened and disturbed by this incident. We condemn it in the strongest terms possible. We will not tolerate such acts of impunity and lawlessness by our officers. We will ensure that the officer is prosecuted and faces the consequences of his actions. We also extend our sympathy and support to the families of the victims and assure them that we will stand with them in their quest for justice," they said in a joint statement.