Police harass fruit vendors in Eldoret. A lobby group has said it will move to court to sue the police over brutality on hawkers in Eldoret town. [Photo/Ktn]
A North Rift human rights organisation has threatened to move to court over the recent incident in Eldoret town where hawkers were brutally attacked by police.
The executive director of the Centre for Human Rights and Mediation (CHRM), Nick Omitto condemned the incident and called for quick investigations saying those found culpable should face the law.
Omitto said the police used excessive force while evicting traders from Eldoret town on Friday.
Speaking to the press in Eldoret town on Saturday, Omitto said the police violated the rights of the hawkers and action needs to be taken against them.
He asked victims of the violence to visit their Eldoret office and make statements so they can ensure justice is served.
“Action needs to be taken against frequent violation of traders' rights by the regional government. The police officers involved during the operation used excessive force on the traders.”
“We condemn their actions and we will file a case against the officers and the county over human rights abuses and destruction of property. We have enough evidence to sustain the case to its conclusion,” said the executive director.
On Friday, videos emerged online revealing the shocking brutality of officers on the county’s hawkers operating in Eldoret town.
In one of the videos, a group of officers in civilian flanked by uniformed police officers are seen dragging a man on the ground while clobbering him.
The officers are also captured destroying fruits which included bananas, apples, and oranges on several carts believed to belong to hawkers.
The county has however denied claims of harassing hawkers who operate in the town.