Former Siaya County Assembly Clerk Felix Isaac Olwero was fatally shot by police on Sunday night in what authorities have described as a suspected case of mistaken identity.

The incident occurred at around 1 a.m. near the White House Bar in Kombewa, Kisumu County, a premises owned by Olwero himself. According to a police report filed at Kombewa Police Station, officers were responding to a distress call reporting an attempted break-in at the establishment.

In the chaos that followed, police say one officer discharged his weapon at a man allegedly wielding a machete. It was only later that the victim was identified as the bar’s owner, Felix Olwero.

Olwero’s sudden death has raised more questions than answers, casting a shadow of controversy over the circumstances of the shooting. “It is a tragic case of suspected mistaken identity, but investigations are ongoing,” police officials said.

The former clerk was no stranger to public attention. For years, he had been entangled in a legal battle challenging what he claimed was his wrongful dismissal from the Siaya County Assembly. Just before his death, he had been preparing to file an appeal after the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Kisumu dismissed his petition. He had sought reinstatement and compensation equivalent to 12 months’ salary.

Siaya Governor James Orengo has condemned the incident, calling for a thorough investigations into the murder.

“Devastated by the tragic loss of Felix Olwero, former Siaya County Assembly Clerk and husband to our CECM for Sports, Madam Angeline Oduor, who was brutally shot dead this morning under unclear circumstances,” Orengo said.

He added: “We condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms and demand swift, thorough investigations to ensure justice is served. No life should ever be cut short in such a senseless manner.”