The Nairobi county assembly has recommended an open inquiry into harassment of traders by inspectorate officers (kanjos).
Victims can now lodge cases with the assembly. Evidence is required.
The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee chaired by Joseph Komu on Wednesday said the inquiry will ensure justice is served. The askaris have been accused of using brute force when implementing county regulations.
The city inspectorate officers are mandated to maintain law and order by enforcing city by-laws. However, they are infamous for ruthlessness and extortion.
Deputy majority whip Waithera Chege had expressed concerns about the increasing cases of arbitrary arrests, harassment and extortion of hawkers.
This was after Anthony Maina, a CBD hawker, in July lost five teeth and broke his jaw at the hands of rogue inspectorate officers who accosted him after he failed to give a Sh100 bribe.
In August, the three officers agreed to pay Sh427,200 as compensation to Maina for bodily harm.
To avoid prosecution and to save their jobs, Humprey Muswangi, Hassan Chege and Dennis Macharia agreed to an out-of-court settlement. And in a signed agreement, they accepted liability.
The Justice committee was tasked to report to City Hall and Nairobi Metropolitan Services on the actions taken on the officers after a probe.
This is in addition to the measures being taken by the two administrations to end other ills perpetrated by the officers.
Appearing before the committee, NMS director of enforcement services Mark Leleruk said they had taken other remedies to ensure the officers exercise discipline.
“After the incident, we have taken bold steps to ensure that we don't have others of that nature,” he said.
Waithera, however, questioned the motive of the askaris, noting that the Inspectorate Act states that before anyone is arrested, he or she should be told the reason informing such an action.
She further claimed that there were outside forces controlling the enforcement department.
“Many hawkers get mishandled and arrested without being told their offence. The particular hawker got roughed up for failing to give a bribe. Is that a criminal offence to cost one their teeth?” she said.
Woodley MCA Mwangi Njihia condemned the harassment and assault, saying the hawkers are just trying to make ends meet.
He recommended that the inspectorate officers get refresher courses, to remind them of their lawfully allocated duties.
“Some officers allow the hawkers to conduct their businesses. But when they refuse to pay the commission, which is usually between Sh100 to Sh200, then they turn rogue,” Njihia added.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
