Residents and business people in Chaani, Changamwe Sub-County, are up in arms against police harassment.
The residents have singled out a Police Officer attached to Chaani Police Station for unbecoming behaviour that has instilled fear among residents and the business community.
The dreaded cop is accused of assaulting a resident who was enquiring why his two sons were arrested; one has just completed form four last year, and a Form three student.
“On 11 January around 5 pm I was informed my sons had been arrested, I went and found them being tied together by their belts. I followed them closely up to a place called TSA, I asked for their offence but I was given a lash on the face until I could not see properly,” narrated Martin Munguti, victim of police assault.
A Good Samaritan took Munguti to Port Reitz Hospital, where he was treated and discharged. The following day together with the Good Samaritan, they reported the case to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
IPOA directed him to obtain an OB from Chaani Police Station, but the police chased him away.
Amon Gathingo, a Chaani businessperson interested in clubs and pool tables decries police harassment, yet all the businesses have the relevant licenses.
“As a businessperson in this area, I have nine pool tables and I have employed eight staff. Where we conflict with the police officers is they have a list they pass at night and demand to be given between Ksh400 and 500,” stated Gathingo.
“It’s not pool tables alone; small clubs are also harassed, and people cannot speak out for fear of victimisation. I am ready for any eventuality. I have invested close to Ksh20 million in this area. I won’t bribe any police officer,” he added.
The law
Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) Rapid Response Officer Francis Auma says they have received numerous complaints of police harassment from Chaani residents.
“They are businesspeople who live in fear; a good example is Martin who was assaulted, that is torture if you are a police officer and have arrested an offender, take him to court. The law prohibits a police officer from assaulting an offender,” said Auma.
He added that business people can’t work yet they pay all the licenses because of extortions from the police.
“One cannot pay a license and still endure harassment in the disguise of looking for criminals. It is their work to arrest criminals but we won’t accept assaulting and abusing innocent citizens,” he said.
Auma assured the victims of police harassment that they would get justice, urging the Inspector General of Police to weed out rogue officers from the police service and IPOA to speed up investigation of the case.
Bradley Ouna, a Lawyer said they will ensure the notorious police officer who is fond of harassing Chaani residents is transferred.
On his part, Changamwe Sub-County Police Commander Mark Beren said he received complaints about one officer who is alleged to have assaulted a businessperson.
“I would urge the businessperson to come to my office and lodge his complaint so that the law can take its course,” he said.
Beren further urged citizens and the police to have a cordial relationship and if there is a misunderstanding to try resolve it.
“My door is open if there is any citizen who has been deprived of his right, we will listen and take action,” he assured Chaani resident.
