Family of man shot by police in Kwania demands blood compensation

17 March 2026, 10:56

By Winnie Auma

Relatives of a man who was shot dead by police in Kwania District are demanding blood compensation, delaying burial arrangements.The deceased, identified as Derrick Opio, was killed in Ayabi Sub-county while reportedly attempting to stop the arrest of his brother.

According to Opio’s uncle, Richard Beja, said the District Police Commander of Kwania, Alison Arinda, on Monday met the family and community members to address the incident.

Beja said the DPC contributed money towards the postmortem examination and pledged additional support for food and a coffin as a personal gesture.However, the family insists that the support offered is insufficient.

Beja explained that, according to Lango cultural traditions, the clan is entitled to blood compensation when a member is killed.

He added that the family’s demands have not yet been met, and as a result, the burial date for Opio remains uncertain. By press time, the body had not been released to the relatives.

Meanwhile, Vincent View Ayita, the head of the Lipa clan, said he is yet to meet with the District Police Commander to resolve the matter.

Efforts to reach the DPC for a comment were unsuccessful. However, the North Kioga regional police spokesperson, Jimmy Patrick Okema, assured the public that the matter will be properly handled.

Police reports indicate that on the night of Friday, March 13th, 2026, officers from Ayabi Police Station had gone to arrest Robinson Ocen, who had been accused of threatening violence.

According to police and eyewitnesses, Opio allegedly confronted the officers with a panga in an attempt to stop the arrest, prompting one of the officers to open fire, killing him on the spot.