This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On May 15, 2020, Lempaa Suyianka, a lawyer, was arrested by police at Bob Harris Police Roadblock along the Tola/Mangu road in Juja, Kenya. He was allegedly taking pictures of police receiving bribes from motorcycle riders and other motorists.
According to Kenya National Commission on Human Rights Chief Executive Officer Bernard Mogesa, Suyianka's protest and action landed him in trouble with the officers. He was denied passage at the roadblock to visit his farm in Juja, which is within Nairobi Metropolitan Service.
However, Suyianka noticed that the police were allowing other people to pass through, allegedly after they parted with some money. He was subsequently impounded, assaulted, handcuffed, and kept in a tent for one hour before being taken to Juja Police Station.
On June 8, 2020, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji, seeking his intervention in the matter. The DPP responded by asking for another probe, stating that the decision to charge Suyianka or not will have to wait for review of the facts, evidence, and the law.
“Considering the grave allegations made by the subject, I have directed that Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai submit the investigation file for independent review and directions,” the DPP said.
