Swaleh Oswado: Kenyans Mourn Ex-ODM Politician Shot Dead While Escaping Custody
- Ex-ODM politician Swaleh Oswado was shot dead while allegedly trying to escape from police custody on Tuesday, August 4
- Oswado had vied for a political seat in Kirimari ward under the Raila Odinga-led Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) during the 2022 General Election
- A section of Kenyans who knew him took to their social media platforms to mourn Oswado's death
Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
Kenyans who knew Swaleh Oswado took to their social media platforms to mourn his death as they expressed their frustrations.
Source: Facebook
Oswado, a former Orange Democratic Movement aspirant, vied for the Kirimari ward seat during the 2022 General Election.
How did Swaleh Oswado die?
Oswado passed away after he was gunned down while attempting to flee from a police van that was transporting inmates back to the Embu GK Prison.
They were coming from a court session at the Siakago Law Courts
Embu West sub-county police commander Vincent Kitili stated that Oswado had been in custody for almost one year since his first court mention in July last year.
Kitili further stated that Oswado and his counterpart used pepper spray on police officers before trying to escape from custody. During this period, they created a momentary distraction before officers began trailing them.
An officer began following Oswado, who was armed with a panga and attempted to attack the officer.
Calls to have Oswado surrender did not work, forcing the officer to open fire, leading to his death at the moment.
His body was later taken to Embu Level 5 Hospital mortuary for preservation. During the commotion, an officer also lost his mobile phone.
How did Kenyans react to Oswado's death?
News of Oswado's death spread among Kenyans on social media, with some condemning the police for shooting him, while others mourned him.
JR Mustafa Musrafarag:
"Swaleh, I personally never knew u, but at some point I could find u pale sewage Embu apo kwa wasee wa boda, chatting with them,...I envied ur style, bro...I never knew ur hustle, but u were a true inspiration that was back then, 2022-2023. Today, it's so difficult to learn that u are no more,...I know u were a father, a brother, a relative and a friend to someone out there. I wanna send my deep condolences to all these people who were always present in your life."
Ouma Neko:
"Kenya is a country where bullets answer questions the courts haven't. Whatever his charges, execution was never part of the sentence. This is not justice."
JustWaiti:
"I don't believe that Swaleh Oswado's story. It feels like a scene from a generic prisoner escape movie."
DP:
"According to police reports, Swaleh Oswado, a remandee.Was fatally shot in the Gatondo area of Embu West...This could be another police cover-up.
Vick Melly:
"Swalleh Abdalla (Oswando) shot dead by police!! It will never end. WANTAM is the only solution here."
Charles Mwabili Harry:
"Didn't the police in Embu hear about shooting the leg? How dangerous was it for Swaleh Abdallah Oswado to be shot in the back?"
ODM MP Charles Were shot dead
Oswado's death comes months after ODM MP Charles Ong'ondo Were was shot dead while coming from Parliament.
Source: Facebook
Were who was the Kasipul MP had reportedly raised concerns about his safety to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations before his gruesome murder.
The politician was given a send-off that was according to his wishes on May 9.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
