Police attack leaves 15 families severely injured in Kisumu

More than 15 families on Kaloleni Estate, Kisumu county suffered critical injuries when police officers stormed their houses and assaulted them.

The victims, mostly old women and children, were assaulted by officers drawn from Cobra Squad and the Quick Response Team on Tuesday night at about 8.20pm.

Three of them had fractures and dislocated their legs and arms. Others sustained injuries in their lower abdomen and thighs.

The officers also raided Vihiga resident magistrate Kadhi Ally Bakari's home and tortured his parents. They allegedly attempted to rape women.

Bakari was not at home during the incident.The estate is mostly inhabited by the Muslim community.

When the Star visited the victims, Bakari said the officers were behaving like a gang and were not clear on their mission. He said such lawless acts have been happening in Kisumu without any intervention.

He claimed the officers clobbered women and children using gun butt and rungus. Tens of the victims said the officers would first break light bulbs in houses before they start beating them.

During the operation, the officers were not accompanied by the area chief, thus raising eyebrows.

"Some openly demanded bribes for any one to be released," Fatuma Abdala, 105, said.

A human rights lobby group in Kisumu condemned the police brutality and called for immediate disbandment of the QRT and Cobra units.

Kisumu Residents Voice Association chairman Audi Ogada said the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority and IG Joseph Boinnet should probe the torture and attempted rape claims on the Koleleni Estate.

County commissioner John Elungata told the media they are investigating the matter and any officer found culpable will be charged.

Source