Matiang’i seeks guidance from top security organ on city’s political ‘war zone’
What you need to know:
- He called on relevant agencies to move with speed and act against assembly officials promoting violence.
- Matiang’i said constant wrangles had morphed into a crisis.
- This prompts frequent deployment of 25-30 per cent of security to the CBD within and around the premises.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i is seeking the National Security Council’s guidance on policing the city county assembly following chaos and the attack on a ward representative by police on Tuesday.
Four officers were caught on camera beating Mlango Kubwa Ward Representative Patricia Mutheu.
The officers were attempting to stop the chaos that erupted when ward representatives opposed to Speaker Beatrice Elachi attempted to serve her with a notice of impeachment.
Ms Mutheu sustained injuries to her hands and back.
UNNECESSARY FORCE
She accused the officers of using unnecessary force instead of arresting her.
“I couldn’t run against the tear gas because I have breathing problems. To my shock, one officer took a baton and hit me,” Ms Mutheu said.
“He was then joined by three others and they went on beating me. I did not resist any arrest. I was all alone. I feel violated. I will make sure that justice is served.”
Dr Matiang’i condemned the police action and directed officers to follow the law during such situations.
“It is painful to see a Kenyan, regardless of status, being beaten by police officers in uniform. That should not happen in Kenya. We are humans and should be better than this,” Dr Matiang’i said.
FIND ALTERNATIVE WAYS
He told the police to find alternative ways of dealing with such matters without necessarily resorting to violence.
“We are a civilised nation that must find better ways to deal with our challenges. The law provides sufficient opportunities of solving disputes,” Dr Matiang’i added.
Describing the county assembly of Nairobi as a war zone in which members have repeatedly refused to engage maturely, the CS said he would address the matter.
ACT ON ASSEMBLY OFFICIALS
He called on relevant agencies to move with speed and act against assembly officials promoting violence.
“We are sick and tired of the chaos. What happens around there is pure criminality and we cannot go on this way,” the CS said.
“There are decisions that need to be made. I am ready to seek the guidance of the National Security Council on this matter.”
Matiang’i said constant wrangles had morphed into a crisis, prompting frequent deployment of 25-30 per cent of security to the Central Business District within and around the premises.
