Private motorists in Kitengela have decried constant harassment by police officers in the pretext of enforcing covid-19 protocols.
The motorists said the police officers randomly stop private vehicles and if found not putting on a masked – they pull you out of your vehicle and bundle you into a waiting Land-cruiser.
Several motorists have complained why the police force somebody who is driving alone to put on a mask.
“I was driving alone on Saturday. My mask was on the co-driver’s seat. Police stopped me and asked why I have not put on a mask. I explained to them that I was alone, inside my car, windows rolled up. I was not in public but alone,” said Motorist Paul Kiruga.
Kiruga said two police officers forced him to abandon his car, get into the Police land cruiser where several other drivers were, and they were bundled together.
He said they were taken to Kitengela Police Station where they were forced to part with shs 5,000 bribe.
The trader said the trend if not arrested on time -will end up spreading Covid-19.
He said the police conduct not only exposes the suspects but even the officers themselves to Covid-19.
Kiruga said he does not understand why a driver in his vehicle without other occupants needs to drive wearing a mask.
“Someone should educate the police. Greed will kill them.” he said.
When reached for comment, Police Spokesman Charles Owino did not respond to text messages sent to his phone on the conduct of Kitengela Police officers.
Kitengela OCS Jenifer Mutuku alias Bensouda said she will investigate the claims.
She asked all the affected motorists to visit her office and file a formal complaint.
“Somebody can be harassed by Police and its not right. Let all those affected come and report to me. So that we take appropriate action because it is not right, “she said.