A senior Kenyan police officer, Sammy Ondimu Ngare, has strongly condemned the actions of a fellow officer who allegedly shot a street hawker during today’s Tuesday protests in Nairobi. The protests were being held by Gen Z youths seeking justice for Albert Ojwang, who reportedly died in police custody and the resignation of DIG lagat.
Ngare who is known for his outspoken nature and deep connection with the public has taken to his social media to express his anger and disappointment after the tragic incident that happened in broad daylight in the presence of cameras.
“This morning, I spoke about the importance of conduct as officers. But clearly, some of us are not listening,” Ngare has written.
Struggling to contain his emotions, he has questioned how he is supposed to explain to his own daughter who is a Gen Z who sees everything online that not all police officers are bad.”How do I convince her that I didn’t train with that trigger-happy cop?” he has asked.
Ngare has went on to say that the actions of the officer involved have stained the image of the police service and it is making it harder for those who serve with dignity and honor.”You, officer, are a disgrace to the service,” he added. “You are the reason people fear us. You are the reason children grow up hating uniform.”he has written.
He also pointed out that the officer seemed to act without thinking. “Sometimes ni poa tutumie akili. Hapa nayo aliwacha akili home,” he said, meaning the officer left his brain at home.
His bold statement has gained praise from many Kenyans online and are now people calling for accountability and justice for the hawker who was simply trying to make a living.
By Kenyans