Hiiraan Online
Monday, June 01, 2015
Police officers beating up youth in Yumbis, Garissa. Photo/Courtesy The Star
NAIROBI (HOL) -----Images of Somali teenagers being humiliated and whipped by angry soldiers using plastic hoses has enormously outraged Kenyans who condemned the 'maltreatment', and demanded bringing perpetrators to justice.
The images which were shared on the social media went viral as hundreds described them as inflammatory for Somali-Kenyans who were already victims of constant of crackdown and oppressions by security forces who turn to the Northeastern region after militants attacks.
"is this their anti-terrorism tactic?'" asked a Somali-Kenyan journalist who said the abuse would rally anti-Kenya sentiments. Despite the new development, Kenyan police announced they'd investigate the images, pledging a disciplinary action against soldiers proved to be involved.
The photos which were posted on a Facebook page allegedly run by a senior Kenyan police officer showed at least five Somali men lying on the ground with their hands tied behind their backs. A police soldier harshly whipped them, as some of the boys looked to be unconscious.
HOL has not verified the authenticity of the images. The images are of the rare incidents showing a brutality and extent of harassment by Kenyan police that many news outlets found too shocking
to carry.
"Shame on you Kenya! This is not how the anti terrorism mechanism works." Tweeted another Somali-Kenyan.