A Mombasa-based human rights lobby group has expressed concern over the increase in cases of police brutality in the country.
Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) says the group has received four reports of police officers assaulting and robbing innocent Kenyans in August alone.
On its social media platforms, MUHURI has highlighted the case of a Malindi businessman who claims to have been beaten and robbed by the police of sh.46,000 in the Sabasaba Maweni area.
According to MUHURI, on the night of August 15th, 2023, Khalid Mohammed Omar, a 33-year-old businessman from Malindi was driving home, as he passed by Saba Saba Maweni, he saw a group of eight police officers beating a ‘mzungu’ tourist.
“Omar pulled over to see if he could help but the officers turned on him instead. They forced him out of his car and beat him mercilessly, almost breaking his hands. They also robbed him of Ksh 46,000 and drove his car to the police station without his permission,” read part of the tweet
Omar was arrested and taken to Malindi police station and charged with assaulting a police officer and obstructing a police officer.
MUHURI says Omar denies the assault charges.
He was released on a police bail of sh. 30,000 and is due to appear in court on Friday 18.
The Lobby group has filed a report with the Independent Police Oversight Authority and a complaint with the Kilifi police Commander.
“We are documenting these cases and shall ensure that the officers responsible are brought to justice, and we will not rest until rogue police officers are held accountable for their actions,” said MUHURI.
The lobby group has asked Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to take action and stop the brutality.
