NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 14- Police have yet again come under the spotlight following the arbitrary shooting of innocent civilians following the killing of 29 year old George Gicheru.
Mr Gicheru was shot in the head in Nairobi’s Ngara area as police tried to disperse hawkers who had staged a protest back in February.
Speaking during a procession to raise awareness over the matter father to the deceased, Timothy Kibet said the government needs to take up more responsibility in protecting its citizenry from both criminals and police brutality.
“We know there are many Kenyans who have been innocently killed and this should not go on. This country must have better protection for its citizens and we are appealing to the government to device better ways of dealing with crime,” Mr Kibet said.
He however said he understood the amount of pressure heaped on the police to ensure the country is safe but said that should not be used as an excuse to shoot and kill civilians.
“Every Kenyan, guilty or not should be given the right to life,” he said.
A month after the fatal shooting Mr Kibet said no arrests have been made in connection and calls for a speedy investigation into the matter to have it resolved.
“We know we may not get anywhere with this current justice system but we just want to send out a message that this killings should come to an end,” he said.
Family sources who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were given a run around by police where they were being bounced off from one police station to the other.
“We were taken from Pangani to Central then to Kasarani back to Kamkunji and after making a bit of noise were told we could report the matter at the Pangani Police Station,” the sources said.
Family and friends of the late Mr Gicheru held a protest march from Uhuru Park heading towards the Bunyala Road Roundabout to raise awareness.
His sentiments come just days after Administration Police shot dead seven people in Kawangware yet again highlighting the police in negative light sparking off heavy protests in the area.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has directed Internal Security minister George Saitoti to expedite the investigation into the killing of the seven taxi drivers. Sources privy to the matter say the officers involved in the incident have already been arrested and would be arraigned in court later this week.
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