Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Ngong’o has condemned excessive use of force by the police on Kisumu residents.
Nyongo in a statement said police who had been deployed to quell what he termed as peaceful demonstrations in Kisumu were using excessive force on innocent harmless members of the public.
“Even after stopping members of the public from exercising their democratic rights to picket over the high cost of living imposed by the Kenya Kwanza government the police armed with all manner of weapons are pursuing innocent residents deep into the residential areas and brutalising them,” he decried.
He called on the police to stop profiling of the people of Kisumu saying all they need is justice not brutality.
According to the governor, residents of Nyalenda, Manyatta, Obunga and Bandani are the ones who have been hit the most during the operation.
He said it has mostly affected boda boda operators and mama mbogas in the county.
“Reports reaching me indicate that many innocent people, including those who never participated in the protests have been harmed an arrested by the police,” Nyong’o said.
He further called on the residents to remain vigilant and expose those taking advantage of the protests to destroy property saying the agreement was that they conduct peaceful demonstrations.
Kisumu is one of the most affected counties by the three-day protests called by the Opposition.
Azimio leader Raila Odinga enjoys massive support from the region.
