A Nairobi-based traffic police officer, Dominic Mbangula, is facing an arrest warrant after failing to appear in court to face charges of assault. The incident stems from an alleged assault that occurred in 2021 when Mbangula, alongside four other police officers, reportedly beat up a man, Japheth Manzi, after arresting him. The court proceedings, which are being closely watched, could shed light on police brutality in Kenya, a topic that has been the subject of increasing public scrutiny.
On Monday, Kyuso Principal Magistrate Paul Mayova issued the warrant after Mbangula, the fifth suspect, failed to show up in court. Four other officers, including Police Inspector Daniel Mutua, Corporal Benson Kimotho, and Constables Kevin Kirwa, Alfred Natire, and Mbangula, were summoned to court by the Kitui County Police Commander, Leah Kithei. The officers were expected to face charges of assault in relation to the treatment of Manzi, who was arrested in October 2021.
While the other four officers were present in court, the prosecution, led by State Counsel Brian Kipkirui, emphasized that they could not take plea because they are jointly charged with Mbangula. Kipkirui requested that the court issue a warrant of arrest for Mbangula and set a new date for plea-taking, which is now scheduled for December 18.
The case centers around an alleged incident of police brutality when the officers were stationed at Ngungani Police Station. Manzi, the complainant, claims that on October 18, 2021, the officers arrived at his home, arrested him, and accused him of possessing a dangerous weapon. After a fruitless search for the alleged weapon, the officers reportedly transported Manzi to Ngungani Police Station, where he was beaten, stripped naked, and allegedly had his private parts squeezed. The violence reportedly led to severe physical injuries, and Manzi was hospitalized at Mwingi Level 4 Hospital for a week following his release.
The assault on Manzi has raised serious concerns about police conduct and accountability in Kenya. According to Manzi, while he was recovering in the hospital, officers from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) visited him to inform him that they were investigating the matter. However, Manzi has since claimed that he has been receiving threats from unknown individuals asking him to drop the case, further complicating an already delicate situation.
This case is not only significant for the specific allegations against the officers involved but also as a part of a broader effort to address police brutality in Kenya. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of police officers using excessive force, particularly against members of the public, leading to calls for police reforms and better oversight. The IPOA plays a crucial role in investigating such incidents, but the threat of intimidation faced by victims like Manzi highlights the challenges in ensuring justice for those who experience abuse at the hands of law enforcement.
The court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Mbangula signals the seriousness with which the judicial system is treating allegations of police brutality. If the officers are found guilty, it could serve as a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against impunity within the Kenyan police force. Furthermore, the outcome of this case could provide a test for the effectiveness of the IPOA and its ability to hold officers accountable for their actions.
As the case proceeds, all eyes will be on the December 18 court hearing, where the accused officers will have to face the charges leveled against them. The public’s hope is that justice will be served and that incidents like the one involving Manzi will no longer go unpunished. The case underscores the importance of a transparent and accountable policing system in ensuring the safety and well-being of Kenyan citizens, free from fear of brutality by those entrusted with upholding the law.
