Ombudsman wants officers charged over Langata Primary demos

A report released by the Office of Ombudsman has recommended disciplinary action against police bosses over Langata Road Primary School demonstration held on January 19th, 2015.

The report accuses police of lobbing teargas to Langata Road Primary School pupils during the demonstration over alleged grabbing of the school playground by a private developer.

Five school children were reportedly injured in the incident and taken to Langata Hospital for treatment, four of which were treated and released while the fifth, a standard seven girl (Lucy Njeri) was admitted.

A police officer also sustained injuries on the forehead after a stone was hurled at him by the protesters.

The report called for the suspension of Inspector Leonard Chea Mayaya and CI Gabriel Wanjala for a period of six months and their salary increments for a period of six months over the handling of the situation.

The report also wants the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) to reprimand Nairobi County Police Commander Benson Kibui and Langata OCPD Elijah Maina Mwangi for dereliction in the performance of their duties.

Officers blacklisted for their actions

Three suspects, Boaz Warugu, Houghton Irungu and Vincent Bulla were arrested during the demonstrations and later released on cash pail following a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions’ office.

The report also recommends that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) issues a warning letter to Peter Mugo over failure to prevent the pupils from engaging in the demonstration.

Ombudsman also placed Kibui and Inspector Leonard Chea Mayaya in the Commission on Administration of Justice (CAJ) blacklist for being unresponsive.

The report further urged the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett to review and revise the Riot Manual according to current international standards contained in the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.

It also called for measures to ensure there is strict accountability with regard to weapons and chemical weapons usage.

The Principal Secretary for Education has been asked to ensure that a policy for a Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya is implemented and organise sensitization for school administrators on how to deal with emergencies.

The report also requests the government to ensure proper safety practice and maintenance of adequate and appropriate safety equipment in all schools.

The Inspector General and Principal Secretary for Education have been asked to report back to the Ombudsman within a reasonable period of time with regard to progress in the implementation of the recommendations.