Cases of police brutality and use of excessive force during curfew enforcement in West Pokot County are on the rise and many of the incidents go unreported, with many people in the area fully not aware of their rights.
Many cases have been reported in the County since the curfew started close to one a month ago in a bid to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.
Victims of police brutality and harassment in the County are now up in arms over delayed justice after being injured by security officers.
The victims who are nursing injuries spoke to the press after being attacked by security officers said that no action has been taken by the authorities after they reported the incidents to the police.
Speaking to the press in Kapenguria, the victims are now calling on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the law society of Kenya (LSK) to intervene in the matter.
One victim, Mr. Daniel Kewa, aged 45 from Center Kwanza village in Kong’elai area, North Pokot Sub County who was beaten and his had hand broken by police on Sunday 4th April, said a security officer beat him without reason.
He pointed out that he was heading to his home at 6 pm and was stopped by a police officer who asked him where he was going.
“I informed the elders and reported to Kapenguria police station on 9th and recorded a statement.”
Another victim, Nicholas Kiprop, a nurse, faulted police officers after they invaded their house and beat them thoroughly as they claimed the family had violated curfew time. Emmanuel Kosgei, a lawyer faulted the police for harassing Kenyans before the dusk to dawn curfew time. “We are handling the matter and we shall make sure the affected people gets justice,” he said.
Area leaders led by Kapenguria member of parliament Samuel Moroto have condemned the incidences calling on the government take stern actions against the police officers involved.