KIRINYAGA |Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has issued a strong public rebuke of police brutality in Kenya, demanding immediate accountability following two recent high-profile deaths allegedly involving law enforcement.
Addressing residents at Kamiigua Grounds in Kutus, Waiguru called the killing of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody and shooting of a mask vendor Boniface Kariuki in Nairobi “unjustifiable” and “deeply troubling.”
“It is extremely unfortunate that in a democratic republic, people can be picked from their homes, taken to a police cell, and killed,” Waiguru said on Thursday.
She insisted that leadership must reflect a higher threshold of restraint, particularly when faced with criticism. “As leaders, we are insulted from morning to evening,” she said. “But we don’t send people to arrest those who criticize us. If you cannot control yourself, you do not qualify to be a leader.”
Waiguru also condemned what she described as a dangerous trend in how force is being applied by law enforcement. “No leader in their right mind can support the abduction or killing of our youth. I do not support it,” she stated.
Referring to footage from recent incidents, Waiguru said available evidence showed no visible threat to justify the shootings. “Even if someone insults you, that does not warrant death,” she said. “If anger justifies action, where will this country end up? There are many people with guns police, reservists, private citizens. Do we now say everyone must be spoken to with utmost respect or face death?”
She called for police to be held accountable under the same laws that apply to the public. “Police are trained to endure provocation,” she said. “If someone cannot handle public pressure, they should not be entrusted with a firearm.”
The governor’s remarks come amid growing national scrutiny over police conduct and the apparent rise in extrajudicial killings. Public outcry has intensified following the death of Albert Ojwang and the police shooting of Boniface Kariuki, with rights groups and citizens demanding independent investigations.
Waiguru urged Kenyans to defend constitutional rights through lawful means but emphasized that police must respect peaceful demonstrations. “Protests must be peaceful and non-destructive,” she said, “but officers must also respect the Constitution, including the right to picket and freedom from harm.”
Calls for accountability have reached the highest levels, with pressure mounting on Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat and Interior Ministry officials to provide transparent answers on Albert’s Death and prosecute those found responsible.
Waiguru’s firm stance has drawn attention for placing both leaders and law enforcement under public scrutiny, as tensions rise over the state’s handling of dissent and civil rights.
