Nakuru Rights Groups Call For Probe Into Violent Arrest Of PWD Mburu

By Elijah Cherutich

Nakuru human rights defenders have demanded an independent investigation and immediate action against police officers filmed allegedly violently arresting disability rights activist James Mbugua, warning that the incident reflects a wider threat to civic space, police accountability and the rights of vulnerable citizens.

The Nakuru Human Rights Defenders Network said the incident, if confirmed, amounted to a grave violation of the Constitution, which protects human dignity, equality, freedom from discrimination and freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

The network raised concern just days after videos circulated showing police officers allegedly manhandling Mbugua, a person with disability who activists said was harmless and using crutches at the time of arrest.

Speaking in Nakuru, human rights defender Maimuna Mwinyi said the conduct captured in the footage was disturbing and had exposed serious gaps in police accountability and protection of persons with disabilities.

“We strongly condemn all forms of excessive use of force and abuse of authority by law enforcement officers. Persons with disabilities are entitled to equal protection before the law and must be treated with dignity, respect and compassion at all times,” Mwinyi said.

In its statement, NHRDN called for an immediate, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident, alongside the suspension of officers involved pending the outcome of investigations.

The network also demanded disciplinary and legal action against any officer found culpable, as well as immediate medical, psychosocial and legal support for the victim and his family.

It said the incident underscored the need to fully implement Human Rights Policing within the National Police Service through continuous training, operational reforms, effective supervision and stronger accountability mechanisms.

The defenders further called for strengthened collaboration between police, oversight institutions, organisations of persons with disabilities and civil society groups to prevent future human rights violations.

Mwangi Muraya, another human rights defender, accused sections of the political class of enabling injustices against ordinary Kenyans, activists and young people exercising their constitutional rights.

He said recent cases of alleged abductions, police violence and intimidation had created fear among citizens and risked returning the country to a culture of oppression.

“It is saddening that young people who are recognised by the law cannot mourn their colleagues in peace and remember their contribution. Politicians should be warned that their accountability will be put to test in 2027 by the same people whose rights they are trampling on now,” Muraya said.

Veteran Nakuru human rights activist David Kuria said Mbugua’s case reflected broader failures in governance and respect for rights by duty bearers entrusted with protecting citizens.

Kuria said the police Internal Affairs Unit had recorded statements from Mbugua, adding that activists expected swift action against officers found responsible for the alleged brutality.

He also urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to scrutinise files forwarded against activists carefully, saying some cases appeared designed to intimidate rights defenders through prosecution.

NHRDN urged members of the public to remain calm and pursue justice through lawful means, while asking anyone with credible information on the incident to cooperate with investigative agencies.

The network said impunity for police misconduct erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law, adding that timely public updates on investigations would help restore confidence.

It said it stood in solidarity with Mbugua, the disability community and survivors of human rights violations, while reaffirming its commitment to justice, accountability, equality and respect for human dignity.