Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua has voiced his strong disapproval of a viral photo depicting a police officer tackling an elderly woman from Kisii County during the Saba Saba demonstrations on June 7, 2023.
In an interview with Mungai Eve Media, Mutua expressed deep concern over the officer's violent behaviour towards the woman, terming it unnecessary and inhumane.
"When I saw the policeman brandishing the rungu on that mama, I felt very bad, it hurt to the core, because even in times of war, women should be protected," he said.
Mutua emphasized that it was evident that the woman had no involvement in the ongoing skirmishes stating that the officer should have ensured the lady's safety by escorting her from the scene.
The incident deeply perturbed Mutua, leading him to believe that the police force requires better training to foster a more humane approach to their duties.
"And you could see the woman was not part of the skirmishes, she was just crossing the road, that officer should have held her hand or even helped her carry the load she was carrying and helped her cross the road, but instead, he seems to be very casual, with an old woman brandishing that rungu," the moral cop explained.
"That really annoyed me, and I think that's a retrospection on the side of the police, I think the police need to be trained to be human," he added.
A photo worth a thousand words
The elderly woman from Kisii county was seen running past a police officer for safety during the Saba Saba demonstrations carrying a small sack on her head and a jembe.
The photo captured the moment when the police officer made an attempt to tackle her aggressively, raising concerns among citizens who have defended the woman asserting that she posed no harm.
A source close to the woman disclosed that she hails from Suneka, Kisii County, and struggles with mental health issues.
"The woman in the photo is from Suneka. She has mental instability," the source revealed to the press.
The incident has prompted a broader discussion on the treatment of vulnerable individuals particularly during demonstrations, and the importance of maintaining compassion and respect for all members of society.
