Kenyans on social media have expressed mixed reactions following an incident where police officers stripped naked a suspected thief in Kisii County.
The individual, initially believed to be a woman, was later identified as Felix Okemwa Morienge, a 19-year-old male.
The events unfolded at BMW Hotel in the Nyamataro area, where Wilfred Machoka Miruka and Edwin Omwenga reported a missing phone.
The owner upon realizing a missing phone, went back to the hotel and his suspicion fell on a waiter, who was initially believed to be female and identified as Felister.
Despite initial denials from the suspected waiter, further interrogation led to her attempted escape, prompting a hot pursuit by members of the public.
Eventually, Morienge was apprehended and taken to Nyakoe Police Post for further interrogation.
Subsequent investigation revealed Morienge’s true identity and the extent of his impersonation. He had been working at the hotel for two months, dressing in female attire and using the name Felister.
Inside the police station, officers resorted to extreme measures, forcing Morienge to strip naked while being filmed. The officers’ conduct during the incident, including derogatory and humiliating language, sparked widespread condemnation.
Many users took to various social media platforms to condemn the actions of the officers, citing it as a gross violation of Morienge’s dignity and rights.
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Kenyans Reactions
“Striping him naked was very wrong and total abuse of his rights even if he had a case to answer. These heartless officers should be arrested,” said Adele Lide a user on X.
Clement Kemboi expressed similar sentiments, stating, “Being a suspected offender does not give police officers the leeway to in dignify him that way. The officers deserve to be visited by IPOA Kenya,” referencing the Independent Policing Oversight Authority.
Questions surrounding the justification for such treatment were also raised by Gisemba Kiadis, “What crime did he commit? These officers should be ashamed of themselves. Why dehumanize him like that?”
Furthermore, the incident sparked discussions on the professionalism of law enforcement officers, with some users questioning their adherence to human rights and constitutional principles.
“The police in that station were wrong. Two wrongs do not make a right! There are psychological and social issues such as trans gendering that would be handled properly. Even if it were not, I don’t know to what extent is the right of the accused ends and starts from here,” expressed Daniel Nyagwara.
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Legal Consequences
David Jidso highlighted the potential legal repercussions for the officers involved, stating, “Those policemen should prepare for the worst. This is unconstitutional and against human rights. Very dangerous crime.”
“Are our police not trained on human rights and constitution? You undress and record, even police officer clearly displaying his face? He will be compensated heavily,” David said.
Nonetheless, there were broader implications raised regarding the relationship between law enforcement and the citizenry, with some users lamenting the apparent lack of unity within the nation.
“Listen to the verbal language from the law enforcers. Most shameful. They’re handling that guy like he’s an animal. There’s no country in Kenya,” remarked Austin Junior, reflecting on the perceived deterioration of societal values.
As the outcry on social media intensifies, pressure mounts on authorities to address the incident and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
