Mungatana decries misuse of firearms by police officers in Tana River
Danson Mungatana condemned what he termed as growing recklessness within the police service, warning that the continued misuse of firearms risks eroding public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana has voiced strong concerns over the rising cases of police misuse of firearms, calling for urgent reforms in the training and handling of weapons by security officers.
Speaking after reports emerged that a man was allegedly shot dead by police in Peponi Village, Mwina Location, on October 18, Mungatana said the incident exposed worrying gaps in how officers are trained and supervised.
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According to Mungatana, the victim was killed during what was supposed to be a routine arrest operation, sparking outrage among residents.
“In Tana River County, a simple incident of effecting an arrest in Peponi Village has resulted in someone’s death. Two officers went to arrest a man, and somehow, a bullet was fired and a life was lost. How does that happen under such circumstances?” Mungatana questioned.
He condemned what he termed as growing recklessness within the police service, warning that the continued misuse of firearms risks eroding public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Mungatana further called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to move swiftly and investigate the Mwina incident thoroughly.
“The DCI must act quickly, and IPOA must do something immediately. The people of Tana River are asking valid questions, 'How can someone die in the hands of officers who are only supposed to effect an arrest?'” he posed.
The senator’s remarks come amid increasing national debate over alleged police brutality and extrajudicial killings.
He insisted that the National Police Service must review its firearm training curriculum and enforce accountability measures to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
“There is a problem with how our police officers are handling firearms, and something needs to be done,” he said.
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