Tension is high in Cyprus village, Kapomboi location in Trans Nzoia County following an incident where two National Police Reservists (NPR), are accused of shooting and killing a 39-year-old man for resisting arrest.
Nelly Ndiwa said his brother, Emmanuel Ndiwa, who is said to be mentally challenged should not have killed and blamed the two officers for using excessive force in enforcing the law.
“Yes it could be true my brother is said to have assaulted somebody’s wife but it is very unfair for NPR to kill a mentally ill person,” Ndiwa said.
Peter Mambo an eyewitness said the laws of the country do not give powers to police reservists to use excessive force while enforcing the law.
“How on earth can a person armed with only a dagaa and tomatoes the police? It is not practically possible” Mambo questioned.
The heavily built Ndiwa was shot three times: on the back, head and his left back leading to excessive bleeding.
Kefa Were the director of Centre for Restoration of Human Rights and Democracy condemned the heinous act and called for fresh vetting of the officers saying they have been mentioned in criminal acts in the area.
“It is very unfortunate that officers who have been trusted with guns to protect people’s lives and property misuse them. We, therefore, ask interior CS, Fred Matiang’i to vet them a fresh to deter similar acts” Were said.
Robinson Mwambu called on the government through the ministry of Interior to disarm all National Police Reservists with questionable integrity.
“We are very bitter for losing Nyayo and we ask the Independent Policing Oversight Authority IPOA to act swiftly so that the family can get justice,” Mwambu appealed.
Kwanza Sub County Police Commander James Odero said investigations into the matter have been launched and asked the locals to calm down as the government resolves the incident.
“While we carry out investigations, we want to caution our NPR officers not to misuse government firearms. They should use them to protect lives and property of civilians,” Odero said.
The body of the late Ndiwa was taken to Kitale County Referral Hospital morgue awaiting an autopsy.
