Nancy Jepchumba was shot by anti-riot police who were dispersing crowds heading to Marakwet East CDF Hall to listen to the declaration of election results last Wednesday.
“It is unfortunate that this girl was killed near my car. She took the bullet for me because I was the target,” Kilimo said on Wednesday, noting her life is in danger.
On Tuesday, the former legislator claimed police officers were hired to kill her.
She told mourners at the tense burial ceremony in Kamariny village, Marakwet East, that they should carry the blame should any danger come her way.
“I call upon IPOA to do due diligence on why Jepchumba died in the presence of police officers. Please help us do an audit of spent cartridges to determine the culprit," she said.
“We are asking police to stop lying to the public. There were no protests in Chesoi. There was no way people could hold protests before results were declared."
She also accused officers of failing to produce the suspect.
Marakwet East deputy county commissioner Stephen Sangolo dismissed Kilimo's assassination claims.
“I am not aware of any assassination plot. Kilimo is in a better position to explain the claims."
Kilimo lost the parliamentary contest to incumbent Bowen Kangogo after getting 14,850 votes against his 13,855.
She has disputed the results and will file a petition in court.
-The Star/ STEPHEN RUTTO