Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has responded to the public outcry over the conduct of police officers who stormed the University of Nairobi last week following protests calling for the release of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Speaking on Monday, a seemingly angry Matiang'i stated that he was tired of the hullabaloo created regarding the incident over video clips circulating on social media.
"I am just sick and tired of how Kenyans are abusing social media to propel propaganda. I have my doubts on this clip and have my solid evidence...unless we get a detailed report from the IG, I cannot comment on the matter," he stated.
He went on to add:"I want to remind all Kenyans that we have choices to make on how we want to live. We cannot just spend time on social media circulating information that has no basis and harassing those in charge of a particular department to act. No, this has to stop somehow."
He was making reference to numerous videos that show security officers believed to be from the General Service Unit (GSU) invading lecture halls, libraries and students' hostels.
The officers are seen frogmarching the students, beating them with batons and in one instance, lobbing a teargas cannister into a room full of students.
State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu defended the conduct of the officers on Sunday, claiming that rogue elements had been allowed within the University.
Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet has insisted that investigations into the case were ongoing and urged Kenyans not to judge the officers based on the video clips doing rounds.
Police had been engaged in running battles for the better part of the day as the students demanded the release of Babu, who was a former long-serving student leader at the institution.
The MP had originally been arrested over derogatory remarks believed to be directed to President Uhuru Kenyatta before he was released and re-arrested on an assault charge.
Various civil rights groups have also promised to institute legal proceedings against the police if no action is taken.
