Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o has expressed deep concern over the alleged excessive use of force by police officers during peaceful demonstrations in the city.
Governor Nyong'o addressed the issue in a statement, highlighting the reported harm and arrests of innocent residents in the midst of the protests.
"It has come to my attention that the police officers who have been deployed to scuttle peaceful demonstrations in Kisumu are using excessive force on innocent, harmless members of the public in Kisumu," Nyong'o stated.
The peaceful protests in Kisumu have been in response to the high cost of living imposed by the Kenya Kwanza government.
Despite citizens exercising their democratic rights to picket, the police response has drawn criticism for the alleged use of force.
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"Even after stopping members of the public from exercising their democratic rights to picket over the high cost of living imposed by the Kenya kwanza government, the police armed with all manner of weapons are pursuing innocent residents deep into the residential areas and brutalizing them," the Governor emphasized.
Numerous reports reaching Nyong'o indicate that not only have innocent protestors been harmed, but even individuals who did not participate in the demonstrations have also been affected.
"Reports reaching me indicate that many innocent people, including those who never participated in the protests, have been harmed and arrested by the police," Nyong'o remarked.
Among the areas affected by the alleged police brutality are Nyalenda, Manyatta, Obunga, and Bandani.
The residents of these neighbourhoods have reportedly borne the brunt of the police actions.
"Residents of Nyalenda, Manyatta, Obunga, and Bandani have withstood the worst of this police brutality," Nyong'o stated.
Moreover, specific groups within the community appear to have been targeted by the police operation.
"Boda boda riders and mama mbogas have been targeted by this operation," Nyong'o added.
Nyong'o, in response to these troubling incidents, has issued an appeal to the police force to put an end to the profiling and mistreatment of the people of Kisumu.
"I want to appeal to the police to stop this profiling of the people of Kisumu. Our people need justice, not brutality," Nyong'o urged.
In addition to the call to the police, Nyong'o also addressed the residents of Kisumu, encouraging them to remain peaceful in their demonstrations and avoid any actions that might lead to violence or property damage.
"I also wish to appeal to the people of Kisumu to remain vigilant and expose those taking advantage of the protests to destroy property because we had agreed to conduct peaceful demonstrations," Nyong'o concluded.
The situation in Kisumu remains tense, and the government's response to these appeals will undoubtedly be closely monitored by both the public and various human rights organizations.
As the events continue to unfold, Governor Nyong'o and concerned citizens hope for a resolution that respects democratic rights and promotes justice and non-violence in the region.
