BY ALBERT NYAKUNDI
The Professional Criminologists Association of Kenya youth wing has condemned police brutality against a student from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
A video went viral where four police officers were last Monday captured mercilessly beating up a helpless and unarmed student.
It is not yet clear what pushed the officers to use excessive force while quelling a riot at JKUAT.
The university was closed indefinitely after the unrest.
The police behavior has been condemned both by their bosses and the public.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Inspector General of police Hillary Mutyambai said the four officers have been interdicted and that further action will be taken upon investigations and recommendation from the Internal Affairs Unit.
The students were protesting insecurity around the Juja based University in Kiambu county.
They claimed knife wielding criminals usually accost them as early as 6.30 am and early evening robbing them of their valuables.
They barricaded the Thika superhighway causing a Traffic snarl up and engaged police in running battles for several hours.
In a press statement to newsrooms PCAK Youth Envoy chairman Xavier Okilipa said the police contravened the National Police Service standing orders.
“The action of the four officers captured on camera is retrogressive, barbaric and goes against the rights of citizens’ protection by the state. They should face the full force of the law.” he said.
Some police officers spoke to Hot News on condition of anonymity and condemned the violence.
“The decision to fire the officers was out of public pressure. Senior officers should handle the disciplinary process in a humane way. The officers have families who depend on them for basic needs, kicking them out of the service is not wise.” The officers said.
Okilipa however praised the National Police Service Commission, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the interior ministry for the swift action against the officers.
“We still hope that the identity of the fourth officer will be revealed in accordance with the National Police Service core values of transparency and accountability.” The statement read in part.
Okilipa called on the NPSC to initiate mechanisms that will enhance a good relationship with university students to avert future misunderstanding.
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