Lobby wants police to compensate injured Multimedia University student

Multimedia University students enngaed police in running battles after they staged protests ove poor sanitation at the institution.[Cathrine Imuraget, Standard]

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is calling on the National Police Service to cover Trevor Mureithi's medical expenses.

Mureithi was brutalised by police officers during a protest held by Multimedia University students yesterday.

In footage circulating on social media, five police officers were seen attacking Mureithi, who was already injured and struggling to stand.

The video also showed the officers detonating a teargas canister next to him while he lay on the ground.

In a statement, KNCHR condemned the act and demanded that the police service fully cover his medical expenses as part of reparations.

"The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights condemns the brutality meted on Trevor Mureithi by police officers on Tuesday, September 17."

"To redress the violation, the Commission recommends that the service take full responsibility for Trevor's medical care as a means of reparation to him and his family," the statement read in part.

Additionally, the Commission urged the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate the incident and hold the responsible officers to account.

According to KNCHR, the police actions violated Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to picket and demonstrate peacefully, as was the case with Mureithim; actions it says must come to an end.

"Trevor was limping and in visible pain, indicating he likely needed medical attention. The police officers should have shown humanity to assess his condition and act appropriately, but instead, they inflicted further injuries, leading to his hospitalisation. The impunity being displayed by the police must come to an end," the statement noted.