The National Police Service (NPS) on Tuesday May 6 responded to a viral video circulating on social media in which a helpless individual was being stepped on by a police officer on his neck while lying on the ground.
In a statement, the NPS reported that they have identified the individual and appropriate action has been taken.
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“National Police Service (NPS) has taken cognisance of a disturbing video circulating in the media, which shows a police officer assaulting a man lying on the ground,” read part of the statement.
According to the NPS, the video circulating on social media was of an incident that occurred in 2018.
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NPS Responds to Viral Video of Officer Assaulting a Civilian
The Police Service also reaffirmed its commitment to serve and protect citizens while upholding constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“As a Service, we reaffirm our commitment to serve and protect while upholding constitutional standards of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” added NPS.
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In the viral video, a police officer is seen kicking a civilian on his neck and then stepping on the civilian’s neck for a while, holding a gun in his right hand and a police baton in his left hand, while the public watched from a distance.
The viral video circulated on social media for much of Monday, May 5, with the majority of Kenyans condemning the incident.
Kenyans React to Viral Video
Social media influencer Muli Brian said, “This is so wrong manze. Why is he harassing him instead of reporting him to the station? What kind of country are we living in?”
Another user by the name SSBInsights said, “Are those who were saying it’s an old video saying it doesn’t happen anymore and that this officer cannot be held accountable anymore? Have the police become angels now doing their job right to protective and serve?”
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Koroir Weldon, a security expert, commented, “This is a clear example of why the National Police Service urgently needs continuous training. Even if the suspect is an armed criminal, there are lawful and professional ways to apprehend civilians. Excessive force shouldn’t be the default.”
Ephraim Kokonya added “Whether it’s yesterday or tomorrow’s video doesn’t matter. Human decency demands to treat others the same way you would want to be treated. The least he can do is apologize for treating him like a rug.”
Kenyan police force is known for brutality and violation of human rights.
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