Gikomba shooting: Family, activists demand answers over missing bullet

In Nairobi's Pipeline area, a police operation at Gikomba market resulted in the death of a 44-year-old woman, Maureen Duku, and left 16-year-old Lihan Abdalla with gunshot injuries. The bullet that entered Abdalla's leg originated from a police officer, while Duku was struck in the stomach. Abdalla recounted that he and Duku were heading to Gikomba when they encountered police officers pursuing suspected phone thieves.

He heard gunshots before encountering the officers near a bridge. Abdalla stated that one officer raised his firearm and another was handling a magazine when the shot was fired. Abdalla recounted that a bullet struck Duku first, followed by Abdalla himself.

The bullet that hit Abdalla was removed from his body, and his family and human rights activists are demanding answers about its whereabouts. Abdalla's mother, Stella Mwalimo, questioned the officers regarding the use of live ammunition in the pursuit of the suspects. She asked why they didn't consider alternative methods to apprehend the suspects instead of using bullets.

Khalid, a human rights activist, raised concerns about the claims that another gunman could be responsible for the shooting. He questioned why police officers reportedly visited the hospital seeking information about the bullet if they were not involved in the incident. He also pointed out that the hospital lacks the bullet, despite having access to it after removal from Abdalla's leg.

The family is seeking clarity on how the bullet moved from the scene to Abdalla's body and what occurred after its removal. The incident has reignited debates about the use of firearms during police operations in densely populated areas, with the family calling for accountability as Abdalla continues to receive treatment.