Vocal Africa accuses Murkomen of sanctioning lethal force as Saba Saba death toll rises
Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid, who joined families of those who lost their kin during the Monday protests in viewing their bodies, wondered how almost all the bodies that were at the morgue had bullet injuries.
Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid has called for Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to be held personally accountable for the deaths and injuries that occurred during the Saba Saba Day protests.
Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice on Tuesday at City Mortuary where he had gone to help coordinate post-mortems for victims, Khalid claimed that the violent crackdown on protesters was carried out under Murkomen’s direct orders.
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"We hold Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen responsible for the shootings that took place during Saba Saba protests. These actions are happening with the full knowledge of the authorities, especially after he gave police shoot and kill orders," said Khalid.
Khalid, who joined families of those who lost their kin during the Monday protests in viewing their bodies, wondered how almost all the bodies that were at the morgue had bullet injuries.
"It is unacceptable that the police can resort to using their firearms to kill non-violent protesters. This trend cannot be allowed and must be punished," said Khalid.
Khalid was keen on the nature of injuries sustained by those killed while decrying the increasing number of those getting killed in protests.
No accountability
" It's clear that the brutality meted on protesters has blessings of the government. It cannot be that each and every protest is turning violent and there's no accountability," said Khalid.
On his part, Murkomen defended the move by the police to barricade roads during the Saba Saba Day protests.
In a statement, CS Murkomen defended the heightened police security measures, including the blockade of major roads leading to Nairobi’s central business district, calling them necessary to protect citizens and safeguard property.
While praising law enforcement officers, the CS acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the measures but maintained they were effective in reducing violence, looting, and property destruction during the Saba Saba protests.
Murkomen said the contribution of the men in uniform saw a stark reduction in incidents of violence, looting and destruction of property compared to the June 25 protests.
At the same time, the Interior CS pledged immediate investigations on the perpetrators of violence and looting as seen in several areas across the country during the Saba Saba demos.
He cited the June 25 protests, where he referenced the arrests of alleged perpetrators of chaos and their subsequent arraignment before the courts.
"The criminals who wreaked havoc on the June 25th demonstrations have already been charged in court. Likewise, those responsible for today's incidents will also be investigated and charged," Murkomen averred.
As per the latest reports on Saba Saba, it is estimated that at least 11 people lost their lives during the protests.
The National Police Service revealed that a further 11 are said to have sustained more but unconfirmed reports indicated the number was higher.
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