Nyong’o suspends officers in Kisumu dragging incident
Kisumu county government yesterday bowed to mounting pressure and suspended enforcement officers who were filmed mishandling a woman trader.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s administration was on the receiving end following an incident where a woman hawker was mistreated by county askaris on Wednesday.
A video clip went viral showing the woman identified as Beatrice Magolo clinging to a speeding county government pick up while being dragged on the tarmac road on the streets of Kisumu town.
The woman was left with injuries after the incident that was widely shared on social media. She reported the matter at Kisumu Central Police Station OB NO 35/24/03/21.
The incident has elicited uproar from the residents and local leaders who demanded answers and action from the county government.
Consequently, Nyong’o directed the county manager to suspend the officials involved in the incident.
In a statement, Nyong’o stated that the actions of the enforcement officers was regrettable, noting that the askaris must carry out their duties with respect to human rights.
“As investigations continue in this matter, I direct the city manager to immediately suspend from duty all the officers who were involved in this incident with immediate effect,” he said.
Yesterday, the Law Society of Kenya called for immediate arrest of the askaris involved in the incident.
LSK announced it had initiated private investigations into the matter with a view to seeking redress for the victim.
In a press statement read by LSK Kisumu chapter chairperson Joan Neto, the lawyers also demanded for an apology to the victim from Nyong’o regarding the incident.
“The circumstances in which this situation occurred is not clear, however the harrowing, inhuman and degrading manner in which this woman was handled in public and in broad daylight is utterly disgraceful,” read the statement.
Further, LSK asked the county government leadership to properly train and supervise their askaris to ensure that the officers discharge their duties professionally and in accordance with the law.
“LSK Kisumu chapter is keenly following the matter and shall offer representation to the helpless woman.
Going forward, we call on the governor and city manager to put on some human face while dealing with the traders within the city,” the statement.
Another statement issued by acting city manager Abala Wanga indicated that the involved officers had been suspended from work pending investigations into the matter.
Deputy governor Mathews Owili reiterated that the 12 officials linked to the incident have been suspended as investigations are ongoing.
Owili condemned the incident, terming it unacceptable.
He promised appropriate disciplinary measures including dismissal will be taken against those found culpable.
“The county government takes pride in women. Therefore the unfortunate incident is utterly unacceptable and decisive actions have began to ensure justice prevails,” he said.
