• Entire command of the SSU from the officer who pulled the trigger to the officer who sanctioned and approved the killing must be investigated.
Image: LABAN WALOGA
It is obvious the dreaded Special Services Unit was operating under a command. They cannot have been deciding by themselves what to do, when to do it and how to do it.
Definitely there were officers above them who were directing their actions, resourcing the unit, arming them and protecting them from investigations and prosecutions.
Put simply, the preliminary investigations have so far showed the conduct of the SSU stinks to high heaven — as we knew it — and so the reach of accountability must also be to the highest echelonHussein Khalid
As the investigations into the SSU continue, this question must be answered and Kenyans informed about who the bosses of the SSU were. All Kenyans are equal before the law and any investigation of the SSU must cover every individual who was involved in any way.
The entire command of the SSU from the officer who pulled the trigger to the officer who sanctioned and approved the killing must be investigated.
Put simply, the preliminary investigations have so far showed the conduct of the SSU stinks to high heaven — as we knew it — and so the reach of accountability must also be to the highest echelon.
On the issue of the President's remarks, we are hopeful that his is a genuine desire to rid Kenyans of killer cops and police impunity — to a large extent — and not merely to get justice for only individuals who were working for him in his political endeavors.
So far, his public statements and actions point towards a perceived real desire for change, supported by good faith. This has generated confidence in his leadership and his team who include the new DCI and the DPP.
We would like to see this same spirit throughout the investigations.
At the same time, as we concentrate on the SSU, we wish to draw the attention of the President, DCI and DPP to other killer units, including those from the KWS, ATPU, Kenya Forest Services, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit and some units from the KDF.
All these have involved themselves in killings and disappearances over the years and so also must be investigated and be held accountable.
As HAKI Africa, we remain committed to assist the authorities to ensure justice for victims, their families and Kenyans in general.
The HAKI Africa executive director spoke to the Star
(Edited by Victoria Graham)