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The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has spoken against an incident where Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai allegedly assaulted a Kenya Power and Lighting Company Engineer.
KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede on Wednesday said the commission strongly condemns the harassment and physical assault of the Kenya Power Engineer.
“The Commission calls for an immediate and thorough investigation into this incident by the relevant authorities to ensure justice is served,” Odede said.
The incident, which was captured in a video clip, occurred while the Engineer was performing his duties alongside his colleagues in Kitengela.
Odede termed the act as a flagrant violation and abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms of Kenya Power staff.
She said it is an attack on the integrity of State Officers, contravening both the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act, and blatant impunity.
“KNCHR calls out such acts of impunity, aggression and intimidation being perpetrated against innocent individuals carrying out their lawful duties,” she said.
Constitutionally, Article 73 states that State Officers are expected to demonstrate respect for and dedication to the people of Kenya, uphold the integrity of the public office and promote public confidence in the integrity of the office.
Odede said the behaviour exhibited by Mbai towards the KPLC staff violates the Constitution and undermines the trust and confidence that the public places in the MP.
She said the conduct of the MP falls short of the expected standards of leadership and integrity.
“Brandishing a weapon, especially in the presence of law-abiding citizens, is an act of extreme recklessness and represents a serious breach of public safety and order,” Odede said.
She said the matter must be investigated expeditiously to ensure that no one is above the law and that justice is served.
“The commission recommends the immediate withdrawal of the MPs firearm,” Odede said.
The Commission also denounced the Mbai’s invocation of the name of President Wiliam Ruto during the incident.
Odede said it is both inappropriate and unacceptable to use the President’s name, use unsavoury political undertones and disparaging personal abuses, to intimidate or threaten individuals.
She called on the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, to expedite and conclude the investigation into the matter promptly.
The Commission also sought a public apology to the Kenya Power Engineer and his colleagues for the assault and harassment they endured.
Odede said the findings of the investigation should be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.
She said it is essential that Mbai faces the full force of the law to demonstrate that such acts of violence against public servants will not be tolerated.
KNCHR will closely monitor the case and provide all necessary support to ensure that justice is served, and the rights of all citizens, including public officers, are safeguarded BY THE STAR