Kwale residents decry police harassment

Residents in Kwale are accusing the police of excessive use of force during Thursday night’s (3^rd March 2016) security operations.

The accusation comes after five people commuting in a tuk tuk from Ukunda Town were injured in an accident that occurred after the driver was allegedly hit by a police officer during the security operation.

Sheh Mwadadu, one of the passengers, said that a police officer who was standing by the roadside hit the driver on the hands, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and sending the tuk tuk rolling down the road.

“After the accident, the policeman ran away leaving us lying there,” Mwadadu said.

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya condemned the incident, adding that police should conduct their operations with regard to rules and regulations.

“As leaders and citizens, we won’t agree with what is going on. We support the security operations being carried out but the police officers involved should respect the laws given and stop harassing citizens,” he said.

Three of the passengers sustained injuries on their heads, hands and shoulders and are currently admitted at Kinondo Health Centre.

“The victims were admitted with massive bleeding but we managed to control that and stitched them where necessary. We also did X-rays on their heads and found that they were okay. They are now in a stable condition,” said nurse Said Zagota.