Africa-Press – Kenya. Kipkorir Ngetich from the Center for Human Rights and Democracy in Eldoret speaking at his office Human rights activists in Eldoret have called for an end to what they describe as the profiling of police officers based on their tribal affiliations.
They warn that such profiling, especially when spread via social media, puts the lives of innocent officers at risk solely because of their ethnicity.
Kipkorir Ngetich, Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, says the death of social media activist Albert Ojwang has intensified the targeting of police officers, particularly those from the Kalenjin community in the Rift Valley.
“We call for an urgent and independent investigation into Ojwang’s death so that the truth can be established and those responsible held to account,” said Ngetich.
However, he expressed regret that Ojwang’s death has been linked to a senior police officer from the Rift Valley, which has led to widespread social media profiling of officers from the region.
He also connected this profiling to rumours of a so-called “killer squad” composed of officers from the area. Ngetich condemned politicians who exploit such claims and tragic incidents like Ojwang’s death to gain political advantage.
“We strongly condemn the politicisation of security matters, particularly the targeting of police officers along tribal lines. This dangerous trend threatens the country’s peace and stability, as officers are unfairly targeted for actions they did not commit,” he said.
While calling for a thorough investigation into Albert Ojwang’s death, Ngetich urged restraint until the facts are established. “The government must be transparent regarding Ojwang’s death in police custody,” he added.
He stressed that the misconduct of individual officers should not result in the victimisation of security personnel from the Kalenjin community or any other tribe.
Ngetich urged those engaging in profiling, especially on social media, to stop immediately to prevent discouraging the many dedicated officers serving from various communities.
He also called on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to cease perpetuating tribalism by targeting police officers and civil servants from the Kalenjin community.
He accused Gachagua of escalating tribal and political tensions in the country through unfounded claims against President William Ruto and certain government officials. Similar sentiments were expressed by Eunice Keter from the Social Justice Forum in the region.
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