Police in Kisumu County are investigating the shooting and killing of former Siaya County Assembly Clerk Felix Isaac Olwero, 50, in what authorities have described as a case of mistaken identity in Kombewa.
Police Mistakenly Kill Resort Owner
Olwero, who owned a resort in Kombewa, was shot dead near his premises early Monday morning after police were called to respond to an attempted burglary. According to initial police reports, officers had been alerted by the resort’s manager about a gang of suspected burglars trying to access the White House Resort, a popular local entertainment spot.
Police said they cordoned off the rear side of the facility and spotted five men approaching. Believing they were armed and dangerous, officers opened fire, fatally shooting Olwero, who was reportedly responding to the disturbance.
Authorities later admitted the incident was a case of mistaken identity and confirmed that an investigation has been launched.
Resort Had Faced Multiple Break-In Attempts
Police disclosed that the White House Resort had faced five attempted break-ins in recent days, raising concerns over rising insecurity in the region. During the Monday dawn incident, police initially claimed the suspects were armed with pangas and other crude weapons, allegedly posing a threat to officers before they opened fire.
However, Olwero’s family and community members are now demanding justice, insisting that the officers acted recklessly and should be held accountable.
Public Concern Over Police Conduct
The incident has sparked outrage among Kombewa residents and beyond, with critics raising concerns about police use of force and the increasing number of civilians killed in disputed circumstances.
Cases of police shootings have been widely reported in Kenya, with rights organizations such as Amnesty International calling for greater accountability in law enforcement operations.
Locals are now demanding thorough investigations into the shooting and calling for justice for the late Olwero, remembered as a respected community leader and businessman.
The body of the deceased was taken to the mortuary for postmortem as investigations continue.
