This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
Published on November 13, 2019, the incident at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has sparked outrage, with Amnesty International CEO Irungu Houghton condemning the use of excessive force.
University of Nairobi student leader Ann Mvurya, who condemned the police for brutalising JKUAT students, said it was not the first time the police were attacking university students. She claimed that students who report cases of police harassment are usually harassed or even arrested by the same officers.
Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai said the officers had been identified from a video that captured them brutalising students. However, he did not name the officers, citing concerns for their families. Mutyambai assured that more action would be taken, saying it was just preliminary action.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) defended the IG's decision not to name the officers, citing the risk of mob lynching. IPOA Chairperson Ann Makori said they had launched independent investigations and would handle the matter professionally.
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights chairperson Kagwiria Mbogori wants quick investigations, saying the commission is cognizant of the promised action by the IG that officers found culpable in the despicable act will face the law.
