NAIROBI, Kenya May 13 – The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) has condemned the illegal use of firearms by police after the recent killing of a Form 2 girl who was shot by police.
Two other people were injured when police opened fire at a group trying to block them from intercepting a vehicle that had sped off a traffic police roadblock.
“We appeal to all eyewitnesses and anybody else with evidence on this to come forward and present their information to the IPOA. The National Police Service Commission should institute disciplinary actions against the police officers,” stated Peter Kiama, Executive Director.
The Non-Governmental Organization has demanded that the National Police Service hold each officer involved in such incidents individually responsible for their action and for IPOA and the Internal Affairs Unit to expedite investigations.
The Form Two girl was going to town for shopping on a boda boda alongside another passenger when they were all shot and rushed to hospital but she succumbed to injuries.
The public joined in by demanding that the officers’ record the number plate and let the matatu proceed to its destination which prompted them to start firing to disperse the crowd.
In the ensuing melee, the group stormed Kisumu Central Police Station where they destroyed property before they were dispersed by teargas.
“The lady was on a motorbike when a stray bullet hit her on the head,” a witness Jane Auma said, “She fell down as the cyclist fled.”
IMLU has pointed out that the failure to hold the officers individually responsible and accountable will only continue to undermine the ongoing police reforms and entrench a culture of impunity within the National Police Service.
“Our preliminary findings point to a trigger-happy police service. It is not beyond imagination that the shooting of the four was irresponsible and reckless,” stated Kiama.
IMLU outlined that in the period from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023 it has documented and processed 76 torture and related violations (TRVs), 58 males (76.32%), 18 (23.68%) females.
“We commend all police officers who have embraced the ongoing reforms and urge those officers with information on these killings to liaise with IPOA to ensure that that we rid the force of those not willing to change,”IMLU Executive Director stated.
