Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has defended the National Police Service, calling on the public to avoid blaming all officers for the rising cases of police brutality.
In a statement shared via his X account on Monday, June 23, 2025, Kaluma urged Kenyans to recognise that most officers are good people and that only a few are responsible for the recent disturbing acts.
He said rogue officers should be punished individually, rather than tarnishing the image of the entire force.
“Are the police officers we complain about foreigners, or are they fellow Kenyans – our brothers, sisters, spouses, children, parents? The majority of the police officers are very good. Let’s not blame the entire police service for the bad acts of a few. Instead, let’s punish the few bad officers and rid them of the National Police Service,” Kaluma stated.
Police brutality
His comments come at a time when the police are under fire following a string of violent incidents that have fueled public outrage. The recent crisis being the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang. The 31-year-old died while in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi on June 8, 2025.
Ojwang had been arrested two days earlier in Homa Bay County for defaming Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. When his body was found, it showed clear signs of physical abuse, including a broken jaw.
Police had claimed Ojwang committed suicide, but an independent autopsy revealed injuries consistent with torture. This sparked protests across the country, with Kenyans demanding justice.
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The pressure led to the arrest of two police officers, Samson Talam and James Mukhwana, and a technician suspected of tampering with CCTV footage. DIG Lagat, whose complaint led to Ojwang’s arrest, stepped aside to allow for investigations.
The situation escalated further on June 17 during demonstrations in Nairobi. Boniface Kariuki, a 22-year-old street vendor, was shot in the head by a police officer. Shocking video footage showed Kariuki walking away, unarmed, when the officer opened fire.
He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital and remains in critical condition. Two officers, Klinzy or Barasa and Duncan Kiprono, were arrested and appeared in court, where investigators were given 15 days to conclude their probe.
These incidents follow a disturbing pattern of violence by law enforcement. In June 2024, at least 19 people were killed and over 200 were injured during anti-Finance Bill protests. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has reported over 20 deaths in police custody in the past four months alone.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has also raised alarm over the police’s habit of releasing false or misleading reports in high-profile cases.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has acknowledged that police failed in their communication during the Ojwang case. He promised full cooperation with investigations, but many believe the damage to public trust is already done.
