Aisha Jumwa murder trial: Witness recounts moments before ODM supporter was shot dead
The hearing of a case where Malindi MP is accused of being involved in the murder of Gumbao Jola and ODM supporter and an uncle to an MCA in Kilfi County, officially kicked off on Monday April 4, with the first witness taking the stand.
Delivering his testimony before the court, Mr Alfred Kahindi gave a detailed narration of what transpired before Jola was shot on the chest leading to his death.
According to Kahindi, on the fateful day, a section of ODM agents had gathered at the home of Mr Reuben Katana; the party’s candidate for Ganda ward by-election. The meeting was reportedly aimed at strategising on how to ensure integrity and transparency during the election.
While at the meeting, a group of police officers visited the home but left shortly after engaging with some of the officials.
Shortly after the police left, another group of officers visited the meeting venue, with Jumwa, her two bodyguards a huge crowd arriving shortly after the second group of officers got to Katana’s home.
[caption id="attachment_9365" align="alignnone" width="589"]
File image of Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa. |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
According to Kahindi, Jumwa got into an argument with the officers after which she allegedly told her supporters to burn down Katana’s home.
Kahindi said Jumwa’s alleged directive to her supporters to burn down Katana’s house angered the latter’s supporters who in turn engaged Jumwa’s team in a fight.
“I heard Ms Jumwa castigating the police for failing to do the work that she had sent them to do. She then promised to do it herself,” Kahindi was quoted by Nation.
According to the witness, the police tried dispersing the crowd using tear gas canisters and firing in the air, but their efforts were not fruitful.
“I fell to the ground when I heard the first two gunshots. The gunshots continued as the warring groups scampered for safety,” he was quoted.
The witness told the court that he realised Jola had been shot after the crowd was dispersed by the police. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately succumbed.
Kahindi, however, noted that he did not see Jumwa or her bodyguard firing the shot that killed Jola.
“I saw Ngumbao bleeding profusely from his shoulder at the back. He was lying facing down. There was a bullet hole in his right chest,” he told the court.
File image of Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa. |Photo| Courtesy|[/caption]
According to Kahindi, Jumwa got into an argument with the officers after which she allegedly told her supporters to burn down Katana’s home.
Kahindi said Jumwa’s alleged directive to her supporters to burn down Katana’s house angered the latter’s supporters who in turn engaged Jumwa’s team in a fight.
“I heard Ms Jumwa castigating the police for failing to do the work that she had sent them to do. She then promised to do it herself,” Kahindi was quoted by Nation.
According to the witness, the police tried dispersing the crowd using tear gas canisters and firing in the air, but their efforts were not fruitful.
“I fell to the ground when I heard the first two gunshots. The gunshots continued as the warring groups scampered for safety,” he was quoted.
The witness told the court that he realised Jola had been shot after the crowd was dispersed by the police. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately succumbed.
Kahindi, however, noted that he did not see Jumwa or her bodyguard firing the shot that killed Jola.
“I saw Ngumbao bleeding profusely from his shoulder at the back. He was lying facing down. There was a bullet hole in his right chest,” he told the court. What's Your Reaction?
