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Police Shooting Deplorable

The Nation (Nairobi)
EDITORIAL
November 28, 2005
Posted to the web November 29, 2005
Nairobi
Questions have emerged over the police shooting of seven suspected gangsters in
Nairobi at the weekend, after it emerged that some could have been innocent.
The family of one of the alleged suspects has come out and denied claims that
their kin, Josephat Mwangi Wabita, was actually a gangster. The man was
apparently shot as he waited for a vehicle to go to work.
Cases of mistaken police shooting have become a source of major concern. Such
occurrences only succeed in denting the image of the Police Force.
On several occasions in the past, the police have been reported gloating
whenever they apprehended or shot dead suspects, only for the truth to come out
that those were cases of mistaken identity. But then it would be too late to do
anything as life would have been snuffed out. It may be too early to
authenticate the truth about the killings, but clearly, there is every reason
to question the police officers' conduct.
Everyone knows the police limits to the use of arms - when they are under
serious threat. But that is not always what happens. Only a few weeks ago, the
police shot and killed innocent people in Kisumu and Mombasa during the
referendum rallies. Little has been done to bring the offenders to book.
In this particular case, the police are asking the family to record statements
before any investigation can be carried out. Not only is this casualness
rattling, it also smacks of insensitivity to life and offends the feelings of
the affected families.
Given the level of insecurity, especially in urban centres, there is every
reason for the police to act tough. It is also appreciated that the police
generally work in difficult conditions and even risk their lives as they fight
crime. But that does not give them the licence to be ruthless and thoughtless.
The authorities, therefore, must take up the present case seriously,
investigate and get to the bottom of it. If it is true that the police goofed,
then those involved should be punished.

   

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