Four State agencies to probe human rights violations by police
Four government agencies have agreed to jointly investigate cases of human rights violations committed by police officers.
The Office of Director of Criminal Investigations (ODPP), Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) will appoint a liaison person in each region who will act as a point of contact for the agencies.
The appointed person will report to the Joint Implementation Committee and ultimately to the heads of various agencies.
As a result, the ODPP has formulated a Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on investigations and prosecution of these serious human rights violations.
The SOPs, the first of its kind in the criminal justice system will enhance collaboration, coordination and organizational partnership.
Police officers have always come under criticism for killing or using excessive force against civilians.
In March 2020, police enforcing the 7pm curfew directive in Kiamaiko, Kariobangi in Nairobi County allegedly shot and fatally injured a 13-year-old boy, who was resting at the balcony of an apartment with his mother.
Yassin Hussein was killed by a stray bullet that lodged in his stomach.
The incident happened at around 7:20pm Monday (March 30), when the teenager’s father was watching 7pm news bulletin at a friend’s house, whereas the boy and his mother were seated at the balcony located on the Mahira Estate building’s third floor.
Others who were on the balcony, were the couple’s five other children.
“My wife was carrying our 1-year-old child, when police fired into our balcony,” said Yassin’s father, Hussein Moyo.
After the boy was shot, his father took him to Mama Lucy Hospital at around 8pm, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit, but succumbed to his injuries hours later.
