GALLANT POLICE OFFICERS - Friendy fire

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 01:18:41 -0800 (PST)

Dear Countrymen,

As the struggle of the people of Kenya for their rightfully elected president is stepped up, we should not forget the gallant police officers who have been firm in reprimanding their colleagues who have been using excessive force in dealing with the protesting members of the public.

The only case that received notice were the police officers in Meru who were all transferred for ensuring the safety of the ODM leaders during the Meru fracas in the campaigns.

The government is now trying to bribe the police officers by paying them an allowance for ‘good handling of the post election chaos’ that left close to 600 dead.

In Kakamega, one police officer was felled by friendly fire and the concerned officer is now behind bars.

In Vihiga, all the 14 deaths were attributed to two (two officers from a particular ethnic group) guns. The concerned officers have since been transferred to other stations for their own safety and following the public outcry.

In essence, the felling of protesters by live bullets should not be taken at face value or a blanket accusation to all the armed forces or police for that matter. There is more than meets the eye and any police officer can tell you this. Within the armed unit ranks there are counter orders that sometimes override the official orders of the superior officers.

It is suspected that some of these officers may have been subjected to some form of oath to ensure their loyalty to the ‘tribe’.

These kinds of goings on will eventually spill over and lead to very serious problems for this country and her delicate security arrangement. It is just a matter of time.

Let us remember the police oficers who may be suffering for the rightful cause or false accusations.

Sande
HR Activist
VIHIGA