The family of police officer William Kithure who was reportedly buried by his colleagues has come out to defend themselves claiming they did not abandon him at his death as many assumed.
A video that surfaced on social media showed the deceased being buried by his colleagues with no family, friends and mourners in sight stirring speculation that the family did not bury the officer.
However, in a report by Citizen TV, the family refuted the allegations and clarified that although they attended the burial, they allowed officers to bury him citing poor terrain. They say they were at the grave site but could not be captured in the video.
The family added that the area was difficult to access with a vehicle that’s why the officers are seen carrying the deceased’s body to the grave site.
Turkana bandit attack
Kithure was among 11 killed in Turkana during a bandit attack by Pokot rustlers on Saturday, September 24, 2022.
Of the 11 were a former presidential aspirant and Thirdway Alliance Party leader Ekuru Aukot‘s sister.
The other 10, he says, include eight police officers, a civilian and the local chief.
Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson Bruno Shioso said the slain officers were pursuing the rustlers who were heavily armed.
“The National Police Service regrets to inform on the criminal and cowardly ambush by cattle rustling bandits on innocent members of the public and police officers. The officers were in hot pursuit of Pokot bandits who had raided a village in Turkana East and made away with livestock,” the Police spokesperson said.
Shioso noted that the government had dispatched more officers to the area.
“NPS reassures the public that all necessary measures shall be taken to restore security and safety in the region,” he stated.
