Ijara Member of Parliament, Sophia Abdinoor, has faulted police for their continued brutality against innocent Kenyans under the guise of enforcing curfew directives.
The legislator regretted that even after President Uhuru Kenyatta recently apologized to the nation on security personnel excesses agaionst the public during the first day of the countrywide dawn to dusk curfew imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19 last month, the police continue to assault Kenyans.
Several video clips showing police brutally went viral on social media and caused public outrage. Several of the police officers caught on camera have since been interdicted.
Talking to KNA on phone today, Sophia noted that gone are the days when police officers used to beat ordinary Kenyans mercilessly and still get away with the illegality.
Lima Ahmed aged 40 years, a miraa female trader from Sangailu in Hulugho Sub-county was allegedly assaulted by Sangailu police station commander (OCS), Peter Murithi Ndirangu, moments after she received her Miraa consignment on Thursday.
She is nursing serious injuries at the Garissa Referral Hospital where she is admitted.
Sophia called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) officers based in Garissa to take up the case and carry out thorough investigations into the matter.
“Why should the police, instead of subjecting the lady to the rule of law, decide to brutally assault her?” Sophia said.
“Police officers should at all times restrain from using excessive force when handling members of the public,” she added.
She promised to personally pick up the case and ensure justice for Lima, adding that the ‘the rogue officer’ should be ready to pay for their actions.
Taking to press today after recording her statement at the Garissa Police Station, a tearful Lima, who was evidently in pain from the injuries inflicted by the officers, said that upon receiving her cargo she proceeded to open it ready to sell to two of her customers who were waiting when the police struck.
“I had just opened the consignment, when the officers led by the area OCS rudely entered my house without even knocking at the door. He (OCS) without uttering a word slapped me on the face as his officers wrapped up the Miraa and handbag,” she said.
Lima a mother of five, said that her cries and pleas to the OCS to stop beating her fell on deaf ears and they continued raining kicks and blows on her until she passed out.
Her terrified children and the two customers run for their dear lives, she adds.
She was later rushed to the nearby Sangailu Health Centre, where first aid was administered to her before being rushed to the Garissa Referral Hospital where she was admitted.
Her physical injuries on her right arm and leg were visible. She carried with her the torn clothes.
“To date I am still shocked and terrified by the actions of the police. I still don’t know what informed their decision to reign blows and kicks on me without any provocation. If in any way they thought I broke the law, they would have arrested and taken me to the police station,” Lima who has been in the trade for 20 years said.
“All I am asking for now is justice. As we speak I don’t have my ID card, passport and Sh 150,000 all which were in my bag which the police confiscated. I want the law to take its course,” she said.
According to a close relative who requested anonymity, the officers were furious that Lima declined to bribe them so that she could be allowed to sell her commodity.
She said, what the police did not know is that President Uhuru Kenyatta in his on wisdom, during Monday address to the nation, had listed Miraa as among farm produce thus overriding the ban on sale and transportation of khat by the Garissa Governor, Ali Korane, last month.
Garissa county Police Commander, Alfred Ogengo, speaking to the press in his office said that ‘the matter had been brought to my attention.’
“Thorough investigations of the matter will be carried out,” the police boss assured.
“I want to confirm that I have received a report from the said lady who claims that she was beaten up by our officers. I want to assure you that proper investigations will be carried out,” Ogengo said.
The County Commander said he will keep in touch with the complainant throughout the investigation period and added that if security officers will be found culpable then the law will take its course.
By Jacob Songok
