BY REUBEN OLITA
Teso North Member of Parliament Hon Dr. Oku Kaunya has decried excessive use of force by the police on innocent citizens during the ongoing countrywide Azimio demonstrations orchestrated by the rising cost of living.
Addressing residents during the launch of Kenya Medical Training Centre Teso Campus Amagoro Annex, which is domiciled at the former KCA campus, the MP said the excess use of force by law enforcers was a cause to worry which needs quick intervention by President William Ruto to stop this macabre killings.
” Police are only allowed to use excessive force when their lives are in danger, for example when an enemy points a gun at him ready to shoot he can pull the trigger and shoot him on the spot,” he said.
He added: ” They are not allowed to shoot aimlessly if their lives are not in danger. Kenya needs all of us to follow the law. Guns should not be used aimlessly. The President should ensure guns are used only for intended purposes of protecting the lives and property of Kenyans.”
He cited an example where trigger-happy police officers shoot innocent youths who are standing on the balconies or rush out of their houses to witness drama that is unfolding outside and within the environs, expressing fear that the country will lag behind if the scenario goes unabated.
The MP said bad political atmosphere is caused by adverse economic challenges facing the country; the rising cost of living has resulted in untold suffering to Kenyans who can hardly afford even a meal per day.
Oku said the verdict on the Finance Act, whose brainchild is Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, has yet to be delivered by the court, and yet the government has started implementing especially value on added tax on petroleum products that has been increased from 8 to 16 percent, noting that this is against the law instead of waiting for the verdict.
” The President should embrace peace and endeavour to enter dialogue with former Prime Minister the Rt Hon Raila Odinga and other Azimio and church leaders with the aim of ending the current stalemate that is threatening the prevailing peace in the country,” he said.
MP Oku concurred with sentiments of a pastor in Kiungu, Kisii, who quoted Proverbs 29:2 that states: when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
” The world is mourning, and yet you pastors including Bishop Sospeter Emukule and Rev Peter Muzungu who are present here are doing nothing to prevent Kenya from burning.The constitution allows people to picket, and engage in peaceful demonstrations,”he said, adding that the work of the police is to prevent people from breaking the law instead of arbitrary arrests of leaders.
He added: ” Use of excess force was executed during the Moi era between 1982 and 1991 but the advent of multipartism and creation of Anglican Church of Kenya Katakwa Diocese ended the one party dictatorship, let’s not allow of this again.
Oku said the opening of a law court in Amagoro is a good move as it would decongest Busia Law courts, and it will reduce transport costs of travelling for over 30 kilometres to seek legal justice.
Deputy Speaker and Amagoro Member of the County Assembly Ronald Ochalu said Huduma Centre to be opened in Amagoro in two weeks’ time will reduce cost of travelling to Busia to seek similar services.
Malaba South MCA Boniface Mamai urged the youth to take advantage of the KMTC Teso Campus and Amagoro Annex to seek professional courses instead of engaging in illicit activities. He later handed over a letter from the County Government of Busia authorising KMTC Teso Campus to use the facility.
KMTC Teso Campus Principal Daniel Kirui said KMTC Teso campus Amagoro Annex will offer five different courses with 400 students set for admission in September, 2023, urging county residents to take advantage of this to enrol for choices of their choice.
Photos:
- Teso North MP addressing residents outside KMT Teso Campus Amagoro Annex flanked by Malaba South MCA Boniface Mamai, Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu and Teso Campus Proncipal Daniel Kirui.
2.Deputy Speaker Ronald Ochalu hands over a letter of authorization from the county government to MP Oku Kaunya and Campus principal Daniel Kirui.
- Teso MP Oku Kaunya addressing the press after the launch of KMTC Teso Campus Amagoro Annex.
