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Man who lost leg during anti-IEBC demos wants ODM to pay bill – PHOTOS


A protester whose leg was amputated after being shot during the demonstrations to push for the ouster of electoral commissioners has asked ODM to foot his medical bills.

Richard Ooko, 20 years, was shot on his upper left thigh by police in Homa Bay town during the demonstrations in June.

The leg was subsequently amputated at the Homa Bay Referral Hospital.

Speaking from his hospital bed on Tuesday, Mr Ooko said his new condition will render him jobless because he can not resume his jua kali job.

PHOTO | BENSON MOMANYI
PHOTO | BENSON MOMANYI

“The agony I have been through has been very traumatizing. I have lost everything I held dear including my career,” he said.

The countrywide protests against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) were called by Cord leader Raila Odinga last month.

GUNSHOT WOUNDS

At least five people died and scored others were injured in the clashes between protesters and the police.
Most of the victims suffered gunshot wounds and beatings by police.

Doctors at the Homa Bay County Referral hospital said Mr Ooko’s amputated leg had developed complications that forced them to carry out a second operation.

PHOTO | BENSON MOMANYI
PHOTO | BENSON MOMANYI

Mr Okoo’s mother, Rose Ooko, however accused the national government of failing to pay for her son’s treatment for an injury inflicted by a police officer.

“We were able to see a plane hired to ferry officers who only sustained minor injuries while my son who would have been saved had he been airlifted to Nairobi was left in agony in Homa Bay,” she added.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma said they will file a case in court to seek justice for the victims of the police shootings.

“We will be in Homa bay High court next Wednesday to begin the pursuit for justice and compensation for people who were shot by police in Homa Bay. I had to personally facilitate the transfer of one of the women to Tenwek hospital for specialized treatment,” said Mr Kaluma.