Kenya: Police Brutality Video Sparks Nationwide Backlash

Kenyans are up in arms after a video of police officers allegedly beating a university student emerged online.

According to reports, a demonstration led by students had been taking place on Monday, 11 November, at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in the town of Juja, when the beating occurred.

The students were protesting against rising insecurity around the university’s now-closed main campus, blocking the city’s Thika Superhighway. Police officers who were called in used teargas canisters to disperse the students.

In the 22-second video clip, four officers are seen kicking, hitting and stamping on fourth-year student, Allan Omond, as he lies defenceless on the ground.

Omond was then taken into custody at Juja Police Station, before being released that evening and handed over to his mother.

The video has prompted nationwide outrage, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai ordering investigations into the brutal beating.

Matiang’i said: “I have spoken to [Mutyambai], and we both agree that firm and decisive action shall be taken against any officer who used excessive force, within the next 24 hours.”