Police brutality: Senior cop, two others who assaulted woman arrested

The assault of Mercy Cherono has caused an uproar with local leaders demanding for justice following police brutality.

Three policemen linked to the brutal attack on Mercy Cherono, a 21-year-old woman who was dragged on the streets of Nakuru’s Olenguruone town, while tied on a motorbike, have been arrested.

Among the officers arrested is the deputy officer commanding Olenguruone Police Station and two civilians.
The arrests follow investigations conducted by the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to establish what actually happened as police claim the woman was attacked in a mob-justice incident.

Nakuru County Criminal Investigations Officer Michael Mwenze confirmed the arrest to Standard Digital today, saying investigations were still underway and the five will be arraigned in court soon.

“The deputy OCS is under arrest and the civilians. They are helping us with investigations,” Mwenze said.
Cherono has since been transferred to the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital where she is recuperating from injuries she sustained during the brutal attack.

She is expected to record a statement with police, as a team from the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of national government is scheduled to visit her today.

The assault on Cherono has sparked uproar with leaders in the county condemning the incident.
Governor Lee Kinyanjui, Senator Susan Kihika and County woman representative Liz Chelule have come out strongly to condemn the incident and demand action.

“We wish Cherono a quick recovery and following through to see that the police officer is held responsible for this brutality and inhumane act against Cherono,” Governor Kinyanjui said.
Ms. Kihika said “My heart goes out to Mercy Cherono from Olenguruone, Kuresoi South.

It is difficult to imagine the physical pain and mental anguish she had to bear at the hands of this rogue police officer who tied her to a motorcycle and dragged her.”

Ms. Chelule described the attack as a beastly act that should be condemned, and stern action taken against the police officer who did this evil thing.
“We will not be silent as those entrusted with our safety turn into the perpetrators of crimes against humanity,” she said.