Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop Dominic Kimengich has added his voice to the alleged police brutality witnessed during last week’s anti-government protest.
According to Bishop Kimengich, the police use of excessive force against protesters was unnecessary.
Speaking in Eldoret, the Catholic Clergy said police should always restrain themselves when handling protests.
He further argues that excessive police force can only be applied in special circumstances.
“There must be a balance because the work of the police is to ensure safety and there is no destruction of properties,” Bishop Kimengich said.
“There is a humane way police can handle those rowdy protesters, not what we have seen where people are being hit with rungus and being stepped on,” he added.
The Bishop insists that any suspected criminal should be arrested as per the law and presented in court to face relevant charges, and not to be subjected to brutality.
There have been complaints from a section of Azimio allied leaders over the manner in which police have been responding to protests.
Dialogue
According to the Azimio leadership, the security agencies were deliberately using excessive force on peaceful protesters.
“There are instances we have seen police reaching out to protesters and speaking to them, these are things we should be seeing,” noted the Eldoret Catholic Clergy.
But even as the Bishop called for police restraint, he has advised the opposition and the government to dialogue in a bid to address issues that have led to the current situation.
He notes that it is only through dialogue that the country will be peaceful.
“We have seen what has happened in our towns. People have been injured, others have died but the most important thing now is for leaders to sit together and dialogue for the good of our nation,” said the Bishop.
The opposition has been protesting over the high cost of living. They want the cost of living lowered as well as repealing the controversial Finance Act.
