Aasai

Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, has made a firm call for national unity and equal concern for all citizens in the face of rising public anxiety over police brutality. His remarks came during a heated parliamentary session following a disturbing incident in which a police officer allegedly shot a protester at close range in Nairobi’s Central Business District during anti-government demonstrations on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

The issue was brought to the House’s attention by Suba North Member of Parliament, Millie Odhiambo, who expressed profound concern over the manner in which police have been handling public protests. Reports had initially indicated that the protester shot during the Nairobi demonstrations was from Homa Bay County — a region that forms part of Odhiambo’s political base — sparking further distress among residents and leaders from the area.

Addressing the House, Odhiambo stated, “Mr. Speaker, I was informed that the individual who was shot is still alive, and for that I am grateful. But I remain deeply unhappy with the way the police responded to the demonstrations.” She further added that while it was initially reported that the injured person hailed from her constituency in Suba, later clarification indicated that he was not, but that did not diminish her concern. “Of course, it hits me harder if he were from Suba, but even if he is not, the problem remains. We are all Kenyans, and no one deserves to be shot while peacefully protesting.”

Speaker Wetang’ula responded empathetically and condemned any form of selective outrage based on regional or ethnic affiliations. “It matters not where a Kenyan comes from,” he asserted. “The pain of a Kenyan in Mandera, in Busia, in Homa Bay, in Kwale is a pain to all of us — and that is exactly how it should be.” He further urged leaders to transcend tribal and regional lines when addressing matters of justice, security, and national cohesion. According to Wetang’ula, all Kenyans deserve equal protection under the law, and their rights must be respected and defended by the state regardless of their place of origin.

Odhiambo also brought to light two other incidents from her home county, where two suspects reportedly died by suicide while in police custody. She questioned the official narrative surrounding these deaths and expressed deep skepticism about the circumstances. “We cannot allow such incidents to continue without accountability,” she said. “We, as Parliament, must assert our role in providing oversight over the security forces. The House must be fully seized of these matters.”

In a move seen as a direct response to mounting pressure from lawmakers and the public, Speaker Wetang’ula directed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to appear before Parliament on Wednesday of the following week. The Speaker requested Members of Parliament to submit their questions in advance to ensure the Cabinet Secretary is thoroughly prepared to address the rising concerns over police operations and misconduct.

The directive comes amid growing national frustration over repeated incidents of excessive force used by the police, especially during protests and political gatherings. Human rights groups, civil society organizations, and religious leaders have condemned the trend, calling for sweeping reforms within the National Police Service and the Interior Ministry.

Tuesday’s incident adds to a list of reported police excesses that have marred the country’s political climate, raising fears about shrinking civic space and the erosion of constitutional freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly.

Speaker Wetang’ula’s firm stance and Odhiambo’s passionate appeal underscore the urgent need for institutional accountability and reforms in Kenya’s security sector. As pressure mounts, all eyes will be on the Interior CS when he appears before the House to respond to the grave allegations and provide clarity on the government’s plans to curb police brutality and ensure justice for victims.

The country now awaits tangible action from both the Executive and Parliament to ensure that no Kenyan, regardless of where they come from, is subjected to unlawful violence or denied justice.