Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has vowed to take action against police officers who used excessive force when calming protesting Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) students on Monday.
In a series of tweets, Matiang’i said that he will not sit back and watch police acting in such an inhuman manner when they should be protecting the lives of the general public.
He said that the incident is unfortunate, adding that the days of the officers are numbered.
Stating that the use of force is lawful but has some limits, the CS said that the video doing rounds on social media platforms is disturbing, adding that police are not allowed to act in such a manner in the name of calming protesters.
"I have observed the events at JKUAT today with profound concern. The use of force by police is clearly outlined in the National Police Standing Orders," he said.
He also said that he is working with the Inspector General of the Police Hillary Mutyambai to ensure action is taken against the officers with immediate effect.
"I have spoken to the IG and we both agree that firm and decisive action shall be taken against any officer who used excessive force, within the next 24 hours," he said.
One of the videos circulating online shows three police officers surrounding and roughing up an unarmed student who is seen lying on the ground. The two officers are captured kicking the student on the head as he attempts to run away. They are then seen to follow the student with kicks and blows amid his plight for forgiveness.