Former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim at a past event. [Photo/mpasho.co.ke]
Former National Assembly Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim has slammed President Uhuru Kenyatta for congratulating the National Police Service for their handling of the recently concluded general election.
Maalim argued that Uhuru's message to the police which was delivered on Friday was in bad faith and confirms the Jubilee government tolerates police impunity.
Speaking to journalists in Garissa Town on Friday, Maalim said while police should be lauded for maintaining law and order, their use of force and brutality on opposition supporters during the election period should be condemned in the strongest terms possible.
He accused the police of behaving in an uncivilised manner by using excessive force on innocent protestors.
"It is shameful and also ridiculous for the President to congratulate people who have terminated innocent lives and caused long-term injuries to others," he said.
Maalim termed Uhuru's message to the police as a mockery of human rights and the rule of law.
He asked Uhuru to reform the police force and ensure that the men and women in uniform adhere to the rule of law when executing their duties.
Maalim, who unsuccessfully contested for the Garissa Township seat in the August 8 general election also asked Uhuru to hold Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet and acting Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang'i responsible for the brutality allegedly meted on opposition leaders and supporters by police.
On Friday, President Kenyatta congratulated the police for a work well done before, during and after the election period.
Uhuru's message has elicited condemnation from a section of Kenyans with NASA leaders terming it a mockery of the people of Kenya.
The opposition has vowed to sue the police for the brutality meted on their supporters.