PRESS STATEMENT: We condemn the culture of impunity where seniority grants immunity

PRESS STATEMENT

 

WE CONDEMN THE CULTURE OF IMPUNITY WHERE SENIORITY GRANTS IMMUNITY

 

We, The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), Kenyans for Justice and Development (KEJUDE) and Genesis for Human Rights Commission (GHRC) express our disappointment with the Kenya Police for refusing to avail information about crimes allegedly committed in Mombasa by Mr. King'ori Mwangi during the Post Election Violence.

 

On 9^TH September 2010 we objected to the appointment of Mr. King'ori Mwangi as the Deputy Director Police Reforms at a press conference. We also demanded an investigation and his possible prosecution following reports that he murdered Mr. Muzamil Abubakar Kato and maimed other innocent Kenyans during the Post Election Violence.

 

On 31^st December 2007, it is alleged that Mr. King'ori Mwangi shot at civilians onboard a pickup truck in Mikindani area, using his pistol, killing one person and maiming another. ICJ Kenya, KEJUDE and GHRC took up the matter and have been pushing for justice.

 

We, the representatives of these organisations, came to Mombasa to establish the status of the police investigations into the matter. To our shock and dismay we have been informed that Mr. King'ori Mwangi cannot be investigated at any level within Coast Province.  

 

The OCS Changamwe Police Station, where the incident was initially reported, referred to us the  DCIO at Urban Police Station. The Deputy DCIO on duty referred us to the PCIO. The Deputy PCIO on duty referred us to the PPO. The PPO referred us to the Police Commissioner Nairobi Headquarters, stating that he could not investigate his fellow senior officer. As a result of this retrogressive practice Mr Kato's death remains unaccounted for. It is unacceptable that the police have entrenched a culture of impunity whereby seniority grants immunity from the law.

 

It should be noted that in July 2009 we wrote to the Police Commissioner, requesting him to investigate and take appropriate action in this matter but to date we have received no response from his office.

 

In summary we have received no assistance or cooperation from the Kenya Police despite all our good efforts. The Kenya Police Coast Province are unwilling to hold Mr. King'ori Mwangi accountable.

 

Is there a cover up in the offing?

 

Dear Kenyans, the slogan 'Utumishi Kwa Wote' rings hollow for us the common mwananchi. If an entire provincial police formation cannot investigate an individual to whom shall the poor citizen turn to for justice?

 

Having exhausted the option of seeking out the police force in bringing to account this injustice, we are left with the sole option of proceeding to Court. Despite this abdication of duty by senior police officers in Coast Province and at Police Headquarters in Nairobi, we will not be deterred. We will continue to push for accountability for the crimes committed by Mr. King'ori Mwangi because we believe no one is above the law.

 

SIGNED IN MOMBASA BY:

 

1. The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya)
2. Kenyans for Justice and Development (KEJUDE)
3. Genesis for Human Rights Commission Mombasa (GHRC)

 

On Saturday, 25^th September 2010