The General of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin has received an overwhelming support from Mandera East Member of Parliament Hussein Waytan following the pressure by section of Members of Parliament pushing him to resign over the death of blogger Albert Ojwang’
In a swift of response after the Tuesday’s demonstrations that were against the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, DCI’s Mohammed Amin and the already stepped aside Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, protesters demanded an overhaul of all heads of National Police Service for what they termed lying to the oath of office
“I think the law is very clear and the IPOA (Independent Policing Oversight Authority) is investigating the case, the information he the Director General Amin gave to public is the same information with IPOA so I don’t know how he’s being dragged in all these incidents, ” Waytan defended.
He further stated that the law provides a public officer to step aside to pave way for investigations commending Mr Lagat’s move awaiting the outcome
“If he (Lagat) will be found culpable over Ojwang’s death then he should be prosecuted but if he’s innocent then will resume his official duties, we shouldn’t be the country of mob lynching, ” he sought Kenyans to develop some patience
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Waytan meanwhile, defended the police against rising criticism terming it unnecessary and should be uncalled for since police work under difficult environment to protect the lives and properties of citizens
Ojwang’s death sparked public outrage, leading to protests across the Nairobi central Business, which resulted to the stepping aside of the then Deputy Inspector General
According to demonstrators is that both Kanja and Amin lied to the public about the death of Ojwang’ and that they should resign not stepping aside
The legislator believes the national discourse has become one sided, vilifying police officers while ignoring the complex realities the face on duty
“I am perturbed by the way the protesters are treating our law enforcement agencies, and I am equally shocked by the manner in which some leaders are attacking police officers,” he said.
“If this trend continues, it will be difficult for police officers to maintain law and order for fear of prosecution but I think we need dialogue between police and the public to understand the dynamics and the bounder line where no one should cross.
It’s an unbelievable for a civilian to attack an armed officer with stones, matchettes, pangas and rungu, he’s a human being too and will defend himself or herself using the weapon, if you get injured then we start blame game, this won’t help us and this why we need to wake up as a country and respect law enforcers
The demonstrations led to the shooting on June 17 along Moi Avenue during protests triggered by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
Barasa and Kiprono, both attached to Kileleshwa Police Station, were deployed to manage the demonstrations. Protesters have been demanding the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who is the main complainant in the case linked to Ojwang’s
Mwangi Kariuki, a street vendor, was shot in the head at close range by one of the officers as the protestors called for justice. He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital and is currently recuperating in the intensive care unit.
The incident sparked widespread public outrage and condemnation from civil rights groups and some political leaders. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordered the immediate arrest of the two officers as investigations continue.