Chaani residents decry police harassment

Mombasa,

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

KNA by Sadik Hassan

Residents and business people in Chaani, Changamwe Sub-County are up in arms against police harassment.

The residents have singled out a Police Officer attached to Chaani Police Station for unbecoming behavior that has instilled fear in residents and business people.

The dreaded cop is accused of assaulting a resident who was enquiring why his two sons were arrested, one has just completed form four last year, and a form three student.

“On 11 January around 5 pm I was informed my sons had been arrested, I went and found them being tied together by use of their belts.

 I followed them closely up to a place called TSA, I asked for their offense but I was given a lash on the face until I could not see properly,” narrated Martin Munguti, victim of police assault.

A Good Samaritan took Munguti to Port Reitz Hospital where he was treated and discharged. The following day together with the Good Samaritan they reported the case to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

 IPOA directed him to obtain an OB from Chaani Police Station but was chased away when he went.

Amon Gathingo, a Chaani businessperson with interests in clubs and pool tables decries police harassment yet all the businesses have the relevant licenses.

“As a businessperson in this area, I have nine pool tables and I have employed eight staff. Where we conflict with the police officers is they have a list they pass at night and demand to be given between Sh400 and Sh500,” stated Gathingo.

Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) Rapid Response Officer Francis Auma says they have received numerous complaints of police harassment from Chaani residents.

“They are businesspeople who live in fear, a good example is Martin who was assaulted, that is torture if you are a police officer and have arrested an offender take him to court. The law prohibits a police officer from assaulting an offender,” said Auma.

He added that business people can’t work yet they pay all the licenses because of extortions from the police.

“One cannot pay license and still endure harassment in disguise of looking for criminals. It is their work to arrest criminals but we won’t accept assaulting and abusing innocent citizens,” he said.

Auma assured the victims of police harassment that they would get justice, he urged the Inspector General of Police to weed out rogue officers from the police service and IPOA to speed up the investigation of the case.

Bradley Ouna, a Lawyer said they will ensure the notorious police officer who is fond of harassing residents of Chaani is transferred.

On his part, Changamwe Sub-County Police Commander Mark Beren said he got a complaint about one officer who is alleged to have assaulted a businessperson.

“I would urge the businessperson to come to my office and lodge his complaint to take necessary action to that officer,” he said.

The Changamwe Police Boss further urged citizens and the police to have a cordial relationship and if there is a misunderstanding to try and resolve it.

“My door is open if there is any citizen who has been deprived of his right we will listen and take action,” he assured residents of Chaani.

Courtesy; KNA