- Sexual workers in Kakamega town have sued police and ten house officials for invading nightly and destroying property
- Victims have claimed to be attacked, stolen, and forcefully evacuated during operations allegedly collecting daily tariffs
- Police have denied the allegations, blaming people who are making officers, and promising to take legal action against bad officers
“The police hit us and threw us out!” This is the cry of sex workers in the city of Kakamega, who claim to be plagued by increasing violence from security officials and those of ten houses at night as they carry out their work.
Source: UGC
The women have said the alleged invasion of the daily tax collecting has turned into violence, leaving them with injuries, damaged property, and with no place to sleep.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke on Thursday, May 22, in Kakamega, some sex businessmen described how men dressed in civilian clothing – allegedly police officers associated with ten house officials – raided their midnight planning rooms, robbed them, robbed their property, and demolished their homes.
“They came at six o’clock at night dressed in casual clothes, hiding their identity. They hit us and threw us out with our mattresses,” Said Sharon Kimangi, one of the women affected.
Sharon, who has now been the voice of the group, added that at least 12 colleagues were arrested for no clear reason.
When some women went to the Kakamega Police Station to ask about their arrest, they were allegedly dismissed.
“Some of them were badly beaten and arrested. But when we tried to see them, we were denied permission and told to leave,” Sharon complained.
In addition, he revealed that some of the victims were forced to sleep outside after their homes were demolished and their properties were cut off due to heavy rains.
The landlord who rented some of the sex workers confirmed the damage. He told TUKO.co.ke that the property of his tenants was thrown out and his efforts to speak and the operators were ignored.
The sex traders are now calling on the government to intervene, blaming the evil police and ten house officials for excessive force.
They have emphasized that they are ready to follow government rules but want to be protected when they carry out their night work.
“We do not want to live as criminals. All we want is to be respected for our rights,” Sharon added.
What do police say about allegations of abuse?
In response, Kakamega Central County Police Commander, Vincent Cherutich, denied the allegations saying the operation was intended to search for real criminals in the city.
“We are conducting an operation to hunt out true criminals. If there is our moral officer, we will take legal action,” Said Cherutich.
In addition, he called on the administrative officials of the Central Government (shield), including chiefs and their deputies, to identify criminals who pretend to be ten house officials for the purpose of intimidating the public and robbing them.
“There are many criminals who pretend to be shield officers. We urge local leaders to help identify and control them,” he added.
Source: UGC
MCAS of Nairobi want justice for women vendors
In another incident previously reported by TUKO.co.ke, Nairobi exporters in Nairobi exposed the amazing cases of sexual harassment and violence from city troops, known as Ka-Kanjo.
During a session held on Wednesday, May 14, a brave commissioner, Jenipher Wambui, testified before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, explaining how some officials force them to bribe them to be given a chance to sell goods, and how they use threats, violence, and illegal arrest if they refuse.
In response, Nairobi ward representatives led by a member of CBD Mwaniki Kwenya called on the county and police to conduct urgent investigations.
The County Assembly proposed the management of the city’s inspection to be suspended and new laws to be written to protect women businesses.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
