Uproar as Kenyan Policemen are Filmed Caning Food Vendors, Destroying Their Stock

A video showing police officers beating up food vendors and destroying their stock has angered Kenyans on social media.

In the video taken on Saturday by Weru TV journalist Gregory Muriithi, the cruel officers armed with batons are seen storming a market area where they whip female traders while scattering their items on the ground.

The incident happened at Mitunguu Market in South Imenti, Meru County on Saturday afternoon and the cops claimed they were enforcing an order requiring people to shut their businesses in a bid to combat the spread of coronavirus.

The video clip has angered Kenyans on social media, who accused the officers of being heartless, saying there are better ways they could have handled the traders who were simply out to find food for their families.

Nominated Senator Millicent Omanga said: "Stupidity of the highest level. Hio chakula wanatupa chini ndio tunahitaji sahii. Respect women. Those chiefs and askaris should be charged. Diplomacy is better." 

Kandara MP Alice Wahome noted: "Let’s not forget the most basic: HUMANITY. What are we fighting here? Kenyans or the pandemic? I have witnessed some markets coming up with sober plans such as opening stalls in shifts (If this stall is open today, the next stall remains closed and opens the next day) therefore favoring social distancing. Let us all be part of the solution or we will perish together." 

Vincent Okemwa wrote: "Indeed this is totally inhuman. They seem not to understand that we are fighting Covid-19, not people. Can someone train them, please. Nor are they immune to this disease, they too need to take precaution and follow Ministry of Health guidelines." 

Sylo Shilah stated: "Even if they are trying to save them from Coronavirus, there is a better way to do it.  We call it humanity."