The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has decried the mob attack of a Mombasa cop who attempted to arrest people who were not wearing face masks.
According to IPOA Chairperson Anne Makori, such lawless actions are likely to foster anarchy and break established order in society.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has noted with concern the incident in which members of the public attacked and seriously injured a police officer in Kibokoni in Mombasa County yesterday,” she said in a statement.
The IPOA boss further noted that the agency has clear mechanisms for receiving and investigating complaints and urged members of the public to lodge complaints by dialing toll free number 1559.
The Mombasa cop, Gerald Sumba, was admitted to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital on Friday after he sustained injuries during the attack in Old Town.
An irate mob had descended on him with kicks and blows after he attempted to arrest those who were not donning face masks.
Reports also indicate that he was in plain clothes with locals assuming he was a civilian trying to solicit for bribes.
His clothes were muddied and bloody, and he appeared to have sustained serious injuries.
Officers from Central Police Station who were called to the scene discovered the victim was indeed a police officer attached to the Tononoka Police Station.
On May 13, the Government issued a directive that all Kenyans must wear face masks when in public.
Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe gazetted a list of hefty penalties against violators.
“A person who commits an offence under these rules shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding Sh20,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both,” the gazette notice reads.
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