County-Rep aspirant killed in Migori County

By ELISHA OTIENO  ( email the author)

Posted  Monday, January 14  2013 at  11:44

An ODM County Rep aspirant in Migori County was killed on Sunday evening at 8pm in his house by three suspected gunmen.

Mr Peter Masese Nyahiri, who was vying for the Makerero ward representative in Bukira west location, Kuria West District had arrived home with his supporters from a campaign rally when the gunmen stormed his house.

Kuria West District deputy police boss Mr Paul Simiyu said Mr Masese succumbed to his injuries after being shot 11 times as his family members and supporters watched. The suspects later fled in a vehicle.

"He died as a result of excessive bleeding and was taken to Pastor Machage Memorial Hospital Mortuary in Migori Town,” he said.

Mr John Chafua, a supporter who attempted to shield him also sustained bullet wounds and was rushed to Kisii District Hospital.

Mr Simiyu said the motive of the gunmen might have been to kill the politician since nothing was stolen from his premise.

He said they have launched a manhunt for the suspects who might have crossed into Tanzania.

The killing also triggered protests by ODM supporters who claim it was politically motivated. The demonstrators blocked the road leading to Tanzania paralysing traffic.

"He was clearly ahead of all his rivals in the race. The killers might have been hired by his opponents and the police must investigate this matter thoroughly," said Mr Maurice Mwita, a local trader.

Mr Masese worked as a journalist in Mombasa before joining politics.