Father of a Man Shot During Latest Protests in Kenya Calls for Police Accountability

Following recent protests in Nairobi, activists and the father of Boniface Kariuki, a man shot by police, are demanding accountability. The protests were sparked by the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. Calls for justice have intensified as details of police actions continue to raise eyebrows, amidst a broader context of police brutality in Kenya.

Activists in Kenya, along with the father of a man shot by police during recent protests, are calling for accountability. The protests erupted following the alleged killing of a blogger in police custody. Jonah Kariuki, the father of the injured man, Boniface Kariuki, expressed his distress, revealing that his son was in intensive care after surgery. He described how a bullet had penetrated Boniface’s head and expressed gratitude that the surgery was deemed successful and that his son’s heart was still beating.

The incident occurred amid widespread unrest in Nairobi where protesters clashed with police. Boniface, 22 and a local merchant, was reportedly holding a packet of face masks when he was shot in the head by an officer whose identity is still being investigated. The officer, who had hidden his face with a mask, was arrested following the outcry. This shooting, along with Boniface’s injuries, has intensified calls for police accountability.

Tensions have been high due to the death of Albert Ojwang, a blogger who was found dead in custody after his arrest for allegedly spreading false information about a police official. Activists have disputed the police’s claims that Ojwang died from hitting his head against a wall. Following his death, protesters have been demanding justice, including the arrest of police deputy inspector general Eliud Langat, who was involved in Ojwang’s arrest.

Langat stated he has stepped aside to allow for investigations and promised to cooperate with authorities. In the meantime, two officers from the Central Police Station were taken into custody last week as the situation continues to unfold. Jonah Kariuki insists that the officer who harmed his son must face consequences for his actions.

Okiya Omtatah, a prominent politician and activist, has also advocated for the prosecution of the officer involved, questioning the police’s use of facemasks during operations. As the protests escalated, violence erupted, leading to several injuries among demonstrators, with patients being treated at a national referral hospital.

In a recent statement, the judiciary highlighted its commitment to upholding justice, even in cases involving alleged police brutality. Meanwhile, the U.K. embassy in Kenya has urged a prompt, independent investigation into police actions following the protests. The country has faced ongoing issues of police misconduct. President William Ruto had previously promised to tackle these issues, but reports of violence and extrajudicial killings persist, increasing pressure for reform in security and law enforcement practices.

The protests in Kenya, prompted by a tragic incident of police violence, underline the urgent need for accountability and reform within law enforcement. The call for justice for Boniface Kariuki and the deceased Albert Ojwang highlights ongoing concerns about police brutality in the country. Activists, family members, and international observers are pushing for transparency in investigations, emphasizing that real change is necessary to restore public trust in the authorities.

Original Source: www.newsday.com