Police Accused of Assault, Theft, and Harassment in Shocking Misconduct Case

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“IPOA is an essential institution for police accountability, but in this instance, there appears to be a lack of seriousness in addressing the allegations. When officers develop personal interests or fears, the system fails victims like Mr. Kiplimo.”

The Centre Against Torture, a human rights organization based in Eldoret, has raised alarm over alleged police misconduct in a case involving Mr. Peter Kiplimo Serem. The organization, led by its representative Kimutai Kirui, is calling for a comprehensive and independent review into the matter, accusing law enforcement officers of abuse of power, theft, and obstruction of justice.

Allegations of Assault and Theft

The Centre against Torture, in its formal communication to the Ombudsman in Eldoret, detailed the ordeal of their client, Mr. Kiplimo, who they say was physically assaulted at Cheptulu Police Station by four officers from the Kakamega Regional Police Office. The incident, which occurred on June 11, 2023, allegedly involved the officers stealing a mobile phone and KES 100,000 in cash from Mr. Kiplimo’s pockets.

The confiscated phone remained in the custody of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Vihiga for undisclosed reasons. It was only after the Centre against Torture wrote to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) that the phones were released. Kimutai Kirui expressed concern about the lack of justification for the seizure, stating, “This raises serious questions about transparency and the motives of the officers involved. Why was the phone withheld without explanation for so long?”

The phone allegedly contained evidence linking the police to the harassment of Mr. Kiplimo’s sister, Ms. Irene. The Centre against Torture asserts that the harassment may have been part of an extortion ring targeting businesspeople, with officers allegedly using coercive tactics to extract money under false pretenses.

A Sister’s Harrowing Experience

Ms. Irene’s case, as described by the Centre against Torture, highlights the disturbing nature of the police conduct. According to the organization, officers attempted to lure Ms. Irene to Kaimosi Forest under the guise of resolving a loan dispute, a claim she vehemently denied. When she refused to meet them at the forest, the officers allegedly went to her shop and tried to arrest her.

Kirui questioned the officers’ behavior, saying, “If this was a legitimate matter, why couldn’t they address it professionally at her shop or her office? Why was there an attempt to summon her to a remote location? These actions strongly suggest ulterior motives.”

Ms. Irene eventually called Cheptulu Police Station and insisted on being taken there rather than to an undisclosed location. It was at this point that her brother, Mr. Kiplimo, rushed to the station to support her.

Assault at Cheptulu Police Station

When Mr. Kiplimo arrived at the police station, he reportedly witnessed officers attempting to force his sister into a private car. He used his phone to document the incident, but this act angered the officers. According to the Centre against Torture, the officers wrestled him to the ground, confiscated his phone, and removed KES 100,000 from his pockets.

The officers later claimed that Mr. Kiplimo was intoxicated, an allegation he denied and which was disproven by a medical examination documented in a P3 form. “This accusation was a blatant attempt to discredit him and justify their violent actions,” said Kirui.

Lack of Progress in Investigations

Mr. Kiplimo filed a report at Cheptulu Police Station under OB No. 22/06/11/2023 and was issued a P3 form. Despite this, the Centre against Torture says the matter has been marred by delays and inaction. Statements were recorded by DCI Hamisi and forwarded to the County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) in Mbale, but no tangible progress was made.

Efforts to follow up with IPOA also proved frustrating, with officials citing reasons such as the assigned officer being on leave. Kirui criticized the handling of the case, stating, “IPOA is an essential institution for police accountability, but in this instance, there appears to be a lack of seriousness in addressing the allegations. When officers develop personal interests or fears, the system fails victims like Mr. Kiplimo.”

The organization also alleged that IPOA’s investigating officer failed to involve Mr. Kiplimo and other key witnesses in the investigation process, undermining the transparency and fairness of the probe. “A competent investigator should engage the complainant and witnesses at every stage to ensure justice is served,” Kirui emphasized.

Demands for Justice and Accountability

The Centre against Torture is now urging the Ombudsman, IPOA, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to reopen the case and conduct an independent review. “The decision to close this case prematurely without addressing the serious allegations of assault and robbery is deeply troubling,” said Kirui.

The organization is calling for disciplinary action against the officers involved and for broader reforms to address misconduct within the police service. “This is not just about one case; it is about the systemic failures that allow such abuses to occur. We need urgent reforms to restore public trust in law enforcement,” Kirui concluded.

 

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