Siaya Municipal Council and the County government have paid tribute to Mr. Austin Juma Omwombo, a youth who tragically lost his life while participating in a peaceful anti-IEBC demonstration in 2016.
In honor of his sacrifice for the pursuit of good governance, the road connecting Barrack Obama Road and Ogwang Lelo Road has been renamed after this political martyr.
Speaking to Kondele News, Mr. Erick Juma Omuombo, Austin’s brother, a seasoned journalist, and a senior Communications Officer in Governor James Orengo’s administration, expressed gratitude to the government for this gesture.
“Seeing the road bear his name is like immortalizing him. It’s been close to eight years, but the family still remembers him. We sincerely appreciate this acknowledgment; it shows that the county government has honored him,” said Erick.
Austin Juma Omuombo, aged 29, along with others, was fatally shot by police during the demonstrations, while more than 15 others sustained gunshot wounds.
Erick further conveyed to Kondele News the traumatic experience the family endured and emphasized the need to avoid such tragedies in the future.
“Demonstrations should not result in loss of life. Austin was only 29 when he lost his life at the hands of the police, so moving forward, I plead with law enforcement officers to exercise restraint when dealing with demonstrators,” he added.
