This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
Police Brutality in Nakuru Sparks Outrage ¶
Leaders and human rights activists in Nakuru County have raised the alarm over surging cases of police brutality in the region, with at least eight people assaulted by the police in the past two months.
According to Governor Lee Kinyanjui, the rising cases of brutality against civilians in the region and in other parts of the country may reverse gains made in police reforms and human rights.
One of the latest incidents involved Olenguruone Police Station Deputy OCS David Kiprotich, who was captured in a viral video clip assaulting a 21-year-old woman, Mercy Cherono, whom he accused of robbery.
The video clip shows the victim tied with a rope to a motorcycle and being dragged by the police officer on a pathway, in full glare of the public.
Leaders and human rights groups have condemned the act and called for stern action against the police officer involved.
"I strongly condemn the incident and call for stern action against the officer involved. Such primitive acts continue to paint a dark image of our law enforcers," stated Governor Kinyanjui.
MPs Joseph Tonui, Kuria Kimani, Charity Kathambi, and Woman Rep Liza Chelule have also condemned the incident and called for disciplinary action against the police officer involved.
"It is pitiable and despicable to watch the video clip of a uniformed law enforcement officer determined to kill a suspect. I thought police officers should be custodians of law and order," said MP Joseph Tonui.
Already, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the incident, with a view to having the rogue police officers punished.
"We have launched investigations with a view to having these rogue police officers punished," read a statement by IPOA chairperson Anne Makori.
