Lamu West MP Julius Ndegwa has condemned the shooting of two civilians by police on Friday during protests outside the Lamu law courts.
The two, Mohammed Yusuf, 40, and Abdulatif Abdalla, 16,
were shot after police used live bullets to disperse protesters demanding the release of a convicted drug trafficker.
They were in a group of rioters who attempted to free the convict who had just been handed a 20-year sentence for drug peddling.
Ndegwa on Monday criticised police for using excessive force to disperse the protesters.
Two officers were injured during the skirmishes after they were attacked with stones, knives and clubs.
“The security agencies should look into the matter fast.There is need to ascertain if any officer misused their weapon after which the law must follow its due course.They should have used reasonable force after all the youths weren’t armed,” said Ndegwa.
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The MP, however, cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, saying
there were ways to resolve matters other than physically engaging or confronting the police.
Ndegwa said there was a need for the police to be non-partisan in dealing with any such matters during this electioneering period in order to avoid being put on the spot.
“The law must be respected by all. If you feel you aren’t satisfied with the court’s decision, you can always appeal and not engaging the police,” he said.
Witnesses said the youths were dissatisfied with the judgment and felt it was unfair.
Lamu county commissioner Joseph Kanyiri said the incident was a total breach of the law as the locals attempted to take the law in their hands.
As per the law, those convicted had a right to appeal their case within 14 days.
Lamu Governor Issa Timammy is among the first leaders who visited the victims on Friday night to console them.
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