City car dealer Joseph Kairo Wambui, known as Khalif Kairo, was arrested on January 11, 2025, over allegations of defrauding a client by selling a car with an existing loan, leading to its repossession.
During his detention at Capitol Hill Police Station, a video captured a confrontation where Kairo accused the officers of harassment, stating, “You are not going to harass me.”
In response, an officer retorted, “We will beat you.”
The National Police Service Act of Kenya mandates that officers should prioritize non-violent means and use force only when necessary and proportional to the situation.
Any use of force leading to injury requires immediate medical assistance and notification of the individual’s relatives or close friends.
Instances of police misconduct, including harassment and excessive use of force, have been reported in Kenya.
For example, in July 2024, during anti-government protests near Nairobi, police recorded the deaths of protesters as road accidents, despite autopsy reports indicating fatalities caused by live rounds.
In Kairo’s case, if the officers’ actions are found to be unjustified, they could face disciplinary measures or legal consequences.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) is responsible for investigating such incidents to ensure accountability within the police force.
Why did the police officer at the Capitol Hill Police Station slap Khalif Kairo? Who gave the police the power to harass a suspect? This is wrong. pic.twitter.com/y7sMUvJEI1
— Cornelius K. Ronoh (@itskipronoh) January 12, 2025
