Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga Calls for Action on Brutal Police Officers

Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has condemned the brutality meted on citizens by police officers after a video showing anti-riot officers beating up women on Tuesday in an estate near Jacaranda grounds went viral on social media.

A 7-year-old boy was reportedly shot dead on the same day, while an expectant woman was injured during a melee between opposition supporters and the police.

National Super Alliance (NASA) was scheduled to hold a memorial service for victims of police brutality at Jacaranda grounds in a parallel event to president Uhuru's swearing in ceremony, before supporters clashed with police.

The video attracted the attention of the ex-Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who has now urged Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and the Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko to take action on the involved officers.

“Violation of Article 238 of the Constitution. These police officers should be investigated and either disciplined or charged in a court of law. I believe both the IG and DPP should be held accountable if no action is taken. State’s responsibility to protect lives,” Mutunga said in a tweet following the viral video.

On Wednesday, the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) said it has commenced investigations into the incident that also saw the boy lose his life.

“Upon conclusion, the authority will make recommendations and forward the investigation file to the office of director of public prosecution Keriako Tobiko for his attention,” read a statement by IPOA’s head of Communications and Outreach Department Dennis Oketch.