Elite Kisumu police on the spot over attacks and robbery

Fatma Abdallah, 105, at her home in Kaloleni, Kisumu County. She was allegedly beaten by police officers on Monday night. [PHOTO: DENISH OCHIENG/STANDARD]

KENYA: Police are investigating Quick Response Team and Cobra Squad officers over allegations of assault and harassment.

The officers raided Kaloleni Estate in Kisumu on Monday night where they are alleged to have attacked residents before making away with food and other household items.

County Commissioner John Elung'ata yesterday confirmed that police had received complaints, adding that at least four residents had recorded statements at Kondele Police Station, and more were still expected to do the same.

"We call upon anybody who has any information to report to Kondele Police Station and we shall act accordingly. We have to determine the circumstances under which the incident occurred," he said.

The County Security Committee, which Mr Elung'ata chairs, met yesterday over the alleged attack. Elung'ata clarified that they would only concentrate on the current incident which has formally been reported to them.

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"We cannot say we are investigating particular individuals, but we are investigating the said incident, and we will look into the allegations made by the victims," he added.

Residents say such attacks have become normal, where officers harass and intimidate residents, especially those doing small businesses within estates.

On Monday, at least 30 houses were reportedly raided in the swoop, with over 50 people saying they fell victims to unwarranted beatings.

The officers are said to have damaged lights and robbed kiosks and shops. Residents, among them Fatuma Abdala, 105, are nursing injuries.

The centenarian, who has knee and chest injuries, told The Standard that the officers raided her house at about 8pm on Monday and demanded that they produce a cell phone which they knew nothing about.

"We had not slept yet... I was with my grandchildren outside the house when a group of young men came and demanded that we get inside the house. I am too old and walked with difficulty into the house. As soon as we got in, they broke the bulbs rendering the house dark, then started beating us," Ms Abdala said.

Khadija Abubakar, 60, suffered back and arm injuries. Her son who tried to protect her, had his left fingers fractured.

"When they knocked I quickly opened the door because I thought it was my neighbours, but when they came in and started commanding us to lie down I was shocked. They hit my back," said Abubakar.

Philip Ouma, a resident of Nanga in Dunga estate, narrated how a similar incident occurred in his area a month ago.

Kisumu Residents Voice Chairman Audi Ogada said he had recorded all the cases of those who had been assaulted, and was preparing to commence a legal process to have them compensated and officers involved charged.