Four police officers who were recorded ruthlessly beating a man believed to be a student of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology( JKUAT) were on Tuesday interdicted.
In a statement issued by the National Police Service, Inspector General (IG) of Police Hillary Mutyambai confirmed that the officers were identified leading to the disciplinary action.
“The National Police Service wishes to inform that the four officers who were caught on camera Meting excessive force on JKUAT students have been Identified and consequently interdicted from service as per police procedures.
“Further action and internal disciplinary processes will follow the Internal Affairs Unit of Investigations,” said Mutyambai in a statement.
However, the IG did not reveal further details of the officers.
Nairobi Governo Mike Mbuvi Sonko has commended the IG for the move saying it served a proper justice to the victims of the assault.
“I wish to take this opportunity to commend the Inspector General of police Hillary Mutyambai for his swift action in concluding the disciplinary process and interdicting the 4 rogue police officers who were caught on camera assaulting a JKUAT student in under 24 hours,” wrote Sonko on his Facebook page.
The Governor called on the members of the public to assist the police in taming crime by providing necessary information whenever needed.
“However since our police force has generally undergone positive reforms, I am appealing to the members of the public to be cooperative and respectful to all our disciplined law enforcement officers when they discharge their duties of maintaining law and order,” added the Governor.
The National Police Service wishes to inform that the four officers who were caught on camera meting excessive force on a JKUAT student have been identified and consequently interdicted from the service as per police procedures. –@IG_NPS pic.twitter.com/5vB21MXcDw
— Kenya Police Service (@PoliceKE) November 12, 2019
The action by police boss follows a public outcry from netizens who protested against the video footage.
The video went viral on Monday attracting the attention of senior government leaders and politicians.
On Monday evening, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Fred Matiang’i promised to take stern action against the officers.
The police were containing a riot that ensued at the institution after the students protested against insecurity.
The university was, however, closed indefinitely on the same day until further notice.