Police brutality

The approach police officers took to evict informal sector vendors from under the Erima Overhead Bridge is simple hostile harassment.
On Jan 17 at noon, police fired tear gas at mothers selling garden foods, canned drinks and cooked food.
Police officers jumped out of the vehicle and swore at people and kicked tables and vendors.
Two female officers questioned second-year university student, Jason Kamalio, who was selling mobile phone batteries to raise money for his school fees.
He was forced to get into the vehicle and dropped off at Jaburi Street after being told to pay K100.
They then removed K90 from his pocket and told him to run or he would be shot.
Such actions by the police officers are unethical and must be condemned.
Police must not take advantage of the buai ban and other illegal activities to destroy, instill fear and mislead the general market communities – not only in Erima but throughout NCD.
These police officers also need to know the boundaries of their roles and responsibilities to serve to build a secure community, rather than creating fear.
The attitude of such ill-minded police officers jeopardises the reputation and image of the force in the general market community.
Those police officers involved must be questioned accordingly.
It will also be appropriate for police to set up a toll-free number so that the public can report such cases.

Silent Observer
DBK
Erima Overhead Bridge Market