Inspector General Joseph Boinnet could be prosecuted over police misconduct during protests against the attempted Lang'ata Primary School land grab at last year.
A task force appointed by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to probe the saga that saw police lob teargas canisters on pupils has recommended that the body should considers initiating a case against the office of the Inspector General of Police, the Ministry of Education, among others, for the violation of children's fundamental rights.
In its report, the 12-member team wants officers who quelled the protest to face private prosecution for the use of excessive force against them during the demonstration against an attempt by a private developer to grab their playground.
"The LSK will consider and commence proceedings by way of public interest litigation case in form of a Constitutional Petition on behalf of Lang'ata Primary School children. This action to be against the office of the Inspector General of Police, the Ministry of Education and others for violation of children's fundamental rights to care and protection under both national and international laws, by action and or inaction on their part or their servants," the 40-page report read in part.
Armed police with German shepherd dogs on January 19, last year, broke up the protest after lobbing tear-gas canisters.
One year later, the committee led by lawyer Gertrude Angote has also recommended that the victims of the incident be compensated by the Government.
"The taskforce team through investigations, findings and recommendations established that there was widespread systemic failure across the board of all relevant statutory authorities. LSK should seek compensation on behalf of the Lang'ata Road Primary School children from the violating authorities," says the report.
The committee also recommended that the officers should face private prosecution and if their bosses are not willing to submit their names, they, too, would face legal action to force them to provide details of the specific officers.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join