KDF & GSU Officers Brutally Beat Man, Leaving Him Crippled Over Chicken Theft

A family in Ainamoi, Kericho County, is seeking justice after their kin was beaten by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and General Service Unit (GSU) officers for stealing a chicken.

According to the family, the son identified as Kiplagat was arrested in March 2024 for allegedly stealing a chicken, upon investigations, he was found innocent and released.

However, the family has alleged that the KDF officer known to them and in collaboration with another GSU officer ganged up on the man and beat him up over the case where he had been found innocent.

“He was found on 22 December night by officers of the government who reigned on him and gave him severe beatings. On 23 December, I found him sleeping and asked him what the problem was, and he revealed that he had been beaten by a GSU and KDF officer,” one of his family members detailed.

The family is now calling upon the government to help them find justice for their son, who has been left crippled and nursing injuries after the heinous attack.

“My brother is now crippled, we have to do everything for him, we are calling on the government to help us seek justice,” the sister of the man in question said.

Kiplagat now joins the list of the many Kenyans who have been left nursing injuries following the excessive use of force by the police. Police have been on the spot for using excessive force with some resulting Kenyans succumbing.

This comes even as President William Ruto warned the police against the use of force when enforcing laws.

Speaking when he presided over the launch of the National Police Service and Prisons Service strategic plans for 2023-2027 on 13 December, Ruto asked police officers to exercise restraint when dealing with Kenyans to create a cohesive environment.

“Kenyans should experience a shift in policing from practices characterised by extrajudicial illegalities, impunity, and excesses to an approach defined by adherence to due process and the rule of law, fostering excellent relations with communities and inspiring trust among citizens,” Ruto said.

While promising to ensure the government will defend police action conducted by the law, Ruto challenged Kenyans to exercise restraint when dealing with police officers who are on duty.