UK-based rights group calls for purge at top of police over abuses

Police IG Doughlas Kanja. [File, Standard] A UK-based rights group has called for the immediate suspension of Kenya's top police commanders over alleged extra-judicial killings, abuse of power and failure to prevent lawlessness. In a letter to the National Police Service Commission, the Justice and Equity Council (UK Chapter) urged action against Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin. The group accused the three of enabling a culture of impunity, citing the custodial death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang and the fatal shooting of unarmed bystander Eli Joshua during a daylight incident in Nairobi's Central Business District. Armed gangs were seen attacking civilians under police escort. "It is unacceptable that no senior police or political leader has taken responsibility for the recent surge in brutality, abductions and deadly force against civilians," said Sebastian Onyango, who chairs the council. Footage circulated widely this week deepened concerns about state-linked enforcement violence. One video, filmed outside City Hall, shows club-wielding men chanting in support of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The men shouted, "Sakaja tumelinda jiji," meaning "Sakaja, we have defended the city," as they walked past undisturbed. In another clip, two uniformed officers confront a vendor reportedly selling face masks. One officer is seen firing at close range; the man collapses, still clutching a bundle of masks. He was later identified as Boniface Mwangi Kariuki and taken to Bliss Medical Centre before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital. "The patient was received around 4 p.m.," said Health Director General Patrick Amoth. "He was promptly evaluated by the emergency team and required urgent neurosurgery. As we speak, the patient is in theatre, and we've prepared an ICU bed because such cases need critical care," he added. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has summoned Lagat to record a statement over Ojwang's death. IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan noted that the authority found sufficient grounds to link senior officers to the incident. Lagat, expected to appear Thursday, is the last of 21 individuals required to give statements. So far, 20 officers have been questioned, including Nairobi Central Police Station's Deputy OCS Samuel Ng'ang'a. OCS Samson Talaam and Constable James Mukhwana have already been charged, while Ng'ang'a remains in custody. "There will be no sacred cows. Anyone found culpable will be prosecuted," Hassan declared. Ojwang died under controversial circumstances after being arrested in Migori on June 7 over a social media post. He was transferred to Nairobi and held at Central Police Station. Police claimed he died by suicide, but an autopsy by five pathologists dismissed that account. "There were serious injuries to the head. There were also features of neck compression and multiple soft tissue injuries spread across the body," explained Dr Bernard Midia, the lead government pathologist. In a rare public apology to the Senate and the public, Kanja distanced the service from the initial police narrative. "I tender my apology on behalf of the National Police Service because of that information," Kanja told lawmakers. IPOA is working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to finalise its case file. The authority has seized digital video footage, collected biological samples for forensic analysis and requested mobile data records from service providers to track communication between suspects. Hassan noted that at least 13 people sustained serious injuries during Tuesday's protests demanding justice for Ojwang. He also criticised the National Police Service for failing to report injuries and deaths as required by law. "Tuesday's point-blank shooting of Kariuki highlights glaring gaps in public order policing and the rights of arrested persons," he stated. He urged Parliament to increase IPOA's funding, warning that critical tools such as Cellebrite systems remain unusable due to expired licences and budget shortfalls. "This kind of delay hampers independent oversight," Hassan warned. "Kenyans deserve accountability. We must have the capacity to deliver that." The Justice and Equity Council warned that if no action is taken within seven days, it will push for the disbandment and reconstitution of the Police Service Commission. "The people of Kenya deserve dignity and justice-not silence and intimidation," Onyango insisted.

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