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.
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