Bar owners in Msambweni, Kwale county have called for a reshuffle of officers at the Diani police post over alleged increased harassment.
The officers are accused of harassing the bar owners despite them having all the required business licenses.
Led by their chairman Richard Onsongo, the owners said the police solicit money from them in the name of enforcing Covid-19 regulations and security.
“Since April last year, police have been moving around during morning and evening hours targeting bars and demanding bribes,” he said.
Onsongo said the bar owners have lost over Sh2 million to the officers so far.
It is alleged that they ask for Sh200 each time they visit with different officers going several times a day.
Onsongo said sometimes the police threaten and assault them if they fail to cooperate.
He added that the bartenders are also frequently arrested so that money is given for their release.
The chairman said they have tried to discuss the issue with the police to no avail.
They have now vowed to hold demonstrations to push for the officers' removal from the region.
“The donkey is now tired, if our demand is not met, we will hire buses to Harambee House in Nairobi to lodge our complaints,” Onsongo said.
The bar owners have also threatened to boycott paying taxes, saying Kenya Revenue Authority and county government should collect it from the police.
“The bar business should be exempted from taxes, KRA and county should seek their money from the Diani police post because it has been collecting rates on their behalf,” Onsongo said.
Salome Mranja called on the government to address the issue quickly, saying they feel insecure.
"The police harassment is worrying, we can’t differentiate them from criminals."
Mranja claimed a police officer tried to sexually harass her when they went to arrest her.
She said she was slapped by an officer who later had his hands all over her body.
"It was not past curfew hours, yet they came to arrest me, one of them even assaulted and sexually harassed me," she said.
Shiro Wanjiku said she has bailed out her workers many times for being unfairly arrested by the officers.
Police have, however, denied the allegations.
County commissioner Joseph Kanyiri said he is aware of the complaints and investigations are ongoing.
He condemned the act, saying both officers and residents must respect the law.
Kanyiri warned of stern actions against the perpetrators once investigations are completed.
"It is wrong to extort residents or engage in any corrupt activities. We are looking into the grievances and justice will be served," he said.
This is the second time police are accused of harassing bar owners since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out.
Last year, a 23-year-old bartender was allegedly killed by police in Ukunda as the officers were enforcing the night to dawn curfew.
-Edited by SKanyara