Police officers involved in injuring Multimedia University students during Tuesday, September 17, protests will be charged if found culpable.
In a statement, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has said, “Upon conclusion of the investigation, IPOA will recommend action, including but not limited to prosecution of officers if culpability is established.”
IPOA commenced investigations into the assault incident during the protests to investigate the video clip widely shared on social media, showing a youth being assaulted by police officers.
The authority established the identity of one student who sustained a fracture in his foot and determined that police lobbed a teargas canister in a female hostel which exploded and caused fire. The fire was later put off by university staff.
In a statement, the authority said, ” IPOA reiterates that members of the National Police Service (NPS) should discharge their mandate professionally and responsibly in accordance with Article 244 of the Constitution.”
It added that the investigations and prosecution of officers found culpable will be independent, fair, and impartial.
Multimedia University Protests
Transport was paralyzed along Magadi Road yesterday in Ongata Rongai in Kajiado County following protests by Multimedia University Students. They blamed the university’s administration for failing to listen to their concerns.
Remmy Osoti, the students’ secretary general, said that the school failed to restore water in the hostels risking their wellbeing.
“Our young brothers and sisters residing within the hostels have had it rough for lack of water, struggling with poor hygiene,” Osoti said.
Other concerns the students raised included the lack of electricity within the hostels, lack of Wi-Fi connectivity, and broken sockets that made student life difficult.
Also Read: Police Beat up University Student, Leave Teargas Canister Next to His Head
When Can a Police Officer Use Force?
According to the NPS Act and Service Standing Orders, a police officer shall always attempt to use non-violent means first.
Additionally, the force used shall be proportional to the objective to be achieved, the seriousness of the offence, and the resistance of the person against whom it is used.
However, when the use of force results in injuries the officers present shall provide medical assistance immediately and unless there are good reasons, failing to do so is a criminal offence.
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Also, if a police officer uses any form of force, it should be reported immediately to his or her superior. However, any use of force that leads to death, serious injury and other grave consequences shall be reported immediately to IPOA.
IPOA has also noted that it is a disciplinary offence for a police officer to fail to report an incident, adding that “following the orders of a superior is no excuse for unlawful use of force”.
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