The rule of law and respect of human rights and freedoms is critical in for any country that claims to embrace democracy. For the laws to apply and every citizen to enjoy their rights, the police force was instituted.
It is also common sense that while citizens are enjoying their rights they should not infringe on other people's rights and freedoms.
The unfortunate events during the confrontation between Maseno University students and the police on Monday and Tuesday and other events that have been happening all over the country between the police force and students or the police and civilians are not good at all.
It is alleged that the police are responsible for the death of the student who lost his life on Monday as the police and the students engaged in running battles.
If it is true that it really happened that way, then the question is why should the police such force on unarmed individuals?
I believe the police are charged with the role of enforcing law and order and I am also sure there are instances where they are required to use force and probably their guns especially during armed robberies, terror attacks or terror-related incidents as per the laws of the land.
When dealing with unarmed civilians like students or demonstrators demanding for their rights, the police should learn to act with respect, both for humanity and the law.
When I saw the photos of Joshua Mungai I was really shocked as to why a Kenyan should be beaten up another until he bleeds from the eyes and nose in the name of restoring peace and order.
If indeed he fell from a moving track as it is being alleged, then that is another case but if the bleeding was as a result of police beating, then it is a high time they rethink about their role in society and their responsibility to Kenyans.
Having passed through the Kenyan public university system, I understand that at times students are rowdy and at times they take advantage of their numbers to humiliate people. But, that should not be a reason why there is an enmity between students and the police.
The ruthless beating of students by the police has happened in Kenya severally but counting deaths, as a result, is not pleasing at all.
The Kenyan policeman has always puzzled me for the few years I have been around: during a fire accident he carries a gun; when people are demonstrating peacefully they carry a gun; when visiting chang'aa dens to round up the culprits they also carry the same gun.
I believe nowadays Kenyans are civilised, and most of them understand the laws of the land. Having weapons everywhere is dangerous and probably is the reason why university students always feel insecure in front of them.
It is truly painful to lose a life as a result of severe beating from the people who should protect you. If the culprit is on the wrong side of the law why can’t they arrest him/her and be arraigned in a court of law? Which I believe is the right procedure.
Beating Kenyans needlessly will make the citizens get scared of the police and that will automatically hamper community policing which is really doing well in the society.