IG Kanja orders investigations into police misconduct at drama festival
According to NPS, the officers were sent to man venue after they got intelligence of disruptions to the event.
The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has ordered Investigations to be conducted by the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) over claims of misconduct by police officers deployed to provide security at the ongoing Kenya National Drama and Film Festivals in Nakuru.
Kanja ordered IAU to ensure the investigations are complete and the report submitted within 21 days.
“The Inspector General of Police has instructed the Internal Affairs Unit to immediately investigate the matter and present a report within 21 days,” A statement by the National Police Service stated in part.
According to NPS, the officers were sent to man the site of the Drama Festivals after they got intelligence of disruptions to the event.
“We received credible intelligence that some individuals were planning to disrupt the event, and as a responsible security organ, we put in place elaborate contingency plans to thwart such acts,” they said.
They stated that the police deployment was intended to provide security for the participating students and the smooth operation of the festival
However, concerns emerged about the behaviour of some officers during the operation as investigations revealed that some of the officers were transported from Nairobi.
Although the NPS did not specify the nature of the alleged misconduct, it confirmed that oversight agencies are also investigating the matter.
They promised full accountability if any officers are found to have acted outside the law.
The situation at the drama festival venue was already tense.
Security was visibly tight, and access to the event was restricted.
Yesterday morning, journalists and members of the public were barred from entering Kirobon Girls, one of the festival’s venues, where activities were still underway.
The dramatic moment came when Butere Girls High School, one of the most anticipated performers, chose not to stage their play titled Echoes of War, citing intimidation and harassment by the police.
The play by the young girls addresses technology, governance, and social justice and explores how the youth can shape a country recovering from unrest through digital spaces.
