kenyan man murdered in US days after his graduation
Brian Okemwa Gitenya poses with his diploma. Just days after his graduation from a US University, Gitenya died after being assaulted at a weekend party in Dallas, Texas. PHOTO/BMJ MURIITHI
What you need to know:
- The Kenyan had reportedly attended one of the many parties after arriving in the Texan capital. A family member who said he witnessed the altercation but sought anonymity told the Nation that Gitenya was accosted by a man he hadn’t met before.
A Kenyan man who had just graduated from a US University has died after being assaulted at a weekend party in Dallas, Texas.
Brian Okemwa Gitenya was struck by an American man, Xavien Deavonni Griffin, during an argument on Monday morning.
According to Jambonewspot.com, a Kenyan Diaspora news Website, the incident occurred as scores of Kenyans swarmed Dallas from all over the US to celebrate Memorial Day, one of the four most notable holidays on the US calendar.
Gitenya had arrived in Dallas on Friday evening from St Paul Minnesota where he lived.
He had reportedly attended one of the many parties after arriving in the Texan capital. A family member who said he witnessed the altercation but sought anonymity told the Nation that Gitenya was accosted by a man he hadn’t met before.
FATAL CONFRONTATION
A Police report seen by the Nation indicates that Griffin hit Gitenya using his hand and caused him to fall hitting his head on the concrete. He was knocked unconscious and was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas where a doctor diagnosed him with severe brain injuries.
Griffin was identified by eye witnesses from a six man line up.
“This is a very sad moment for the family. He had come here to join other Kenyans in the festivities as he also celebrated his graduation from college,” he said in a phone interview from St Paul’s, Minnesota.
An eye witness said the two were engaged in an argument before the fatal altercation ensued.
The Nation has learnt that Gitenya had just graduated from an Iowa University with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. He was among the few students who graduated cum laude (with distinction) during the 83rd commencement ceremony held on May 17 at Briar Cliff University in Iowa.
Last year, he graduated with an Applied Science Associate degree in Nursing fom Iowa Lakes Community College.
Dallas Police have told the local media that the assailant has been arrested following the attack which happened at 5.45am.
By the time of going to press, details of what led to the altercation were scanty.
