Kenyans took to social media on Tuesday to demand the release of a woman who was arrested for filming traffic police officers who were harassing a female passenger in Nairobi.
In the video captured by Njeri wa Muthoni, three female traffic officers in full uniform are seen forcefully dragging a woman out of the front seat of a matatu supposedly plying the Kasarani –Nairobi CBD route while three other male officers look on.
Taking to Facebook on Tuesday morning, Njeri posted the 1:40-minute recording saying it had led to her arrest and that she was being taken to Kasarani Police Station.
In a document seen from the police station , Njeri was finned Ksh ,10,000 for what police termed as Obstruction in execution of duty.
The subject was charged with committing an offence contrary to section 103 (a) of the National police Service Act. Section 103 (a) provides
103 Any person who
a) Assaults, resists, or willfully obstructs a police officer in the execution of the police officer’s duties
b) Assaults, resists or willfully obstructs any person acting in the aid of the police officer
c) Attacks any animal belonging to the service
d) Intentionary or recklessly destroys police property
Commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years or to both.
Her plight led to the trending hashtag topic #ReleaseNjeri on Twitter with thousands of Kenyans online urging the National Police Service to intervene and secure her release.
The public, while condemning the officers for intimidating citizens, further agitated for their arrest and subsequent prosecution.
Njeri Wa Muthoni, The lady who recorded the police assaulting another lady, has been arrested and is being held at Kasarani Police station. #ReleaseNjeri
pic.twitter.com/f429Y8DF21— BRAVIN™ (@ItsBravin) February 5, 2019