Ichung’wah Defends Police After Vendor Shooting Incident in Nairobi

By Diana Chelangat

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has come out to support police officers just hours after one of them shot a street vendor selling masks near Imenti House in Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon.

While speaking in the National Assembly, Ichung’wah urged Kenyans to treat police officers with "respect, with honour, and with the dignity that they deserve".

He referred to a separate incident in Nakuru where a man threatened an unarmed police officer with a panga (machete). The officer remained calm and did not respond with violence, even though his life was in danger.

"I saw somebody, Honourable Speaker, the other day in Nakuru brandishing a machete and an unarmed police officer, and I must take this opportunity, Honourable Speaker, to commend that officer in Nakuru who was being taunted with a panga. His life would have been at risk for the lives of other Kenyans, but he maintained his cool," said Ichung’wah.

He went on to say, "That is the kind of spirit we want to see, Honourable Speaker, but we must also speak to our people. We must also speak to the public that let us also treat our policemen and women with respect, with honour, and with the dignity that they deserve."

Ichung’wah’s remarks were supported by Saku MP Dido Ali Raso, who also asked Kenyans to stop politicising police work and instead give officers the respect they deserve.

He said recent clashes between the public and police were a result of how police officers are perceived, especially when their work becomes a political issue.

Raso also said it is the responsibility of the police service to ensure their officers remain disciplined.

“The relationship between Kenyans and the National Police Service must be restored. Kenyans must respect those who enforce the law and those who protect them," said Raso.

“The National Police Service must take full control of the discipline of its rank and file.”

He praised the efforts of police officers, noting they often risk their lives so that others can live in peace. He also called for more transparency and accountability from police leadership.

“At this point, when we are facing difficulties in the country, we should not look away from the work of the National Service Commission, which is cut out, particularly in the areas of accountability and transparency. Of us being able to address ourselves to citizens of our country,” he said.

The leaders gave their comments shortly after the mask vendor was shot during demonstrations in the Nairobi Central Business District on June 17. Witnesses say the officer first slapped the vendor before shooting him.