Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho has hit out at police for the
brutality they meted out on innocent Kenyans on Friday during the 7pm-5am
curfew.
Joho said most of those who were assaulted in Mombasa leave
work at 5pm and it is almost impossible for all of them to cross the Likoni
channel in just under two hours.
The governor said it would be prudent for their employers to
let them leave early in order to beat the curfew.
“Most of these people survive on a daily wage. They have left work late and it is not their fault.
“The security agencies should understand that what our people
need is help not punishment,” he said.
Adding: “This is so uncalled for and inappropriate. Those
using the Likoni crossing channel are our fellow human beings. Why subject them
to such atrocities?”
Joho said he fully supports the government’s measures in
combating COVID-19 but consultations ought to be made on how to ensure citizens
are safe.
His sentiments were echoed by former Gichugu MP Martha Karua
who blamed the government for not streamlining the transport sector.
“Terrorising commuters at Likoni ferry with tear gas and
beatings is unacceptable! The inadequacy of the available mode of transport rests
squarely on the government.
“Let’s hope no arrests will be made for lateness where
public transport is clearly the issue,” she said.
Elsewhere, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi
has strongly condemned the brutality of police in enforcing the 7pm-5am curfew
saying Interior CS Fred Matiang’i should resign.
Through a statement, Havi stated that the CS should take
responsibility having contravened Article 10 of the Constitution.
The LSK president argued that the penalty for not adhering to a curfew is a fine of nor more than Sh1000 or imprisonment for not more than three months.
Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter