Patmoz
In the wake of the shocking police shooting of Boniface Kariuki, a young, unarmed Kenyan who was reportedly selling masks to demonstrators, Crime Si Poa has issued a hard-hitting statement decrying the rise of impunity and brutality within sections of the Kenya Police Service.
The incident, captured on viral video, has sparked outrage across the country and drawn attention to growing concerns about rogue officers operating with apparent immunity.
According to the statement released by Crime Si Poa and signed by Executive Director Pete Ouko, the video footage revealed that Kariuki posed no threat to the police or the public. Social media quickly mobilized, disseminating Kariuki’s identity and image across platforms, putting pressure on authorities for swift justice.
The Inspector General of Police has since ordered the arrest and arraignment of the officer involved, a move welcomed by Crime Si Poa as a step in the right direction. However, the organization warned that deeper accountability mechanisms must be restored if public trust in law enforcement is to be regained.
The shooting occurred amid demonstrations sparked by the recent custodial death of teacher-blogger Albert Ojwang. The protests, meant to be peaceful, were reportedly hijacked by armed gangs allegedly operating in coordination with or under the watch of police officers. This alarming development prompted Senate Majority Whip Dr. Boni Khalwale to issue a scathing public statement, lamenting, “How low we have sunk! The Kenyan Police escorting goons armed with crude weapons.”
Crime Si Poa raised red flags over the increasing militarization and gang involvement of youth, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The NGO further criticized the lack of concrete action by government officials, citing past remarks by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen linking politicians to the financing of criminal gangs, but without corresponding arrests or reforms.
In a stinging critique, the organization noted the irony of Kenyan police officers being deployed internationally to combat gangs in countries like Haiti while failing to rein in gang activity domestically.
“We seem to be fast digressing from the constitutional standards that guide our law enforcement. The trust of the public is waning, and unless resolute leadership steps in, we are headed down a dark path,” read part of the statement.
The organization also underscored the urgent need for justice system reforms, especially in protecting human rights. They cited the Constitution’s Articles 25 and 29, which prohibit torture and inhumane treatment, and expressed concern that suspects’ rights under Article 49 were routinely violated by certain law enforcement officers.
Crime Si Poa urged the Inspector General of Police and the National Police Service Commission to take firm action to weed out corruption and impunity. It also called on the Witness Protection Agency to ensure the safety of individuals willing to testify against rogue officers.
In closing, Pete Ouko emphasized that justice must prevail, stating, “Let justice be our shield and defender.”
