Senator Kihika takes Matiang’i to task over police brutality

Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika on Friday took Interior CS Fred Matiang’i to task over the recent cases of police brutality around the country.

The CS had tweeted to inform the public of the arrest of three officers in connection with the Kuresoi incident where a woman was dragged by a motorbike.

“Three police officers have been apprehended in connection with the Kuresoi incident where a woman was mishandled.

“I reiterate Government's commitment to ensure that its security officers retain the highest level of professionalism as they enforce law and order,” tweeted the CS.

Kihika was quick to remind him that the incident should not be referred to as ‘manhandling’ but police brutality, although she acknowledged that the arrest of the officers was a step in the right direction.

“A step in the right direction. But this CANNOT be characterized as MISHANDLING! It is police brutality, do not normalize it!” she wrote.

Mercy Cherono, a mother of one, said a policeman attached to the local police station tied both her hands on the motorbike and started dragging her through the tarmac road claiming she had stolen from him.

Olenguruone Sub-County Hospital Superintendent Solomon Bera confirmed the woman had a broken leg and soft tissue injuries on the arm with a wound on the head.

"I believe the victim is very lucky that she is still here with us. The attack was brutal," Dr Bera said.

"She has been very distressed about the attack, the attack was unprovoked and because of the seriousness of it, obviously she is very disturbed and she is fearful of retribution,” he said.

According to Cherono, the officer claimed that she had broken into his house and stolen a laptop and clothes.