Two Nairobi Police bosses have been suspended over shootings at Mukuru Kwa Njenga Slums.
Nairobi Region Police Commander Augustine Nthumbi and Embakasi Police Station OCPD were sent on compulsory leave starting Thursday, January 30.
In a statement, Amnesty International alongside other human rights groups welcomed the action taken on the two police officers by the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai.
"We welcome decision by the Inspector General of Police to send Nairobi and Embakasi police commanders on compulsory leave.
"The action should be the first step to rebuilding public trust and restorative justice for the Mukuru community," read the statement in part.
Amnesty International, which was working alongside Haki Jamii Trust, Akiba Mashinani, noted that it had faced resistance when it attempted to intervene the clash between Mukuru Kwa Njenga residents and Police officers.
The groups now want investigations into the incident hastened and compensation availed to the families of the victims.
"Direct attempts by Haki Jamii Trust and Akiba Mashinani to deescalate the situation in Mukuru kwa Njenga were rejected by Officer in Charge John Nyamu for several hours.
"We urge the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and the Kenya Police Internal Affairs Unit to speed up investigations and the victims’ families to demand justice for those killed and assaulted in the operation," added the statement.
In the clashes that began on Sunday, December 26, one person was shot dead while two others sustained injuries while defending their land from being grabbed.
The two who sustained injuries were transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital and Mama Lucy hospital while in critical condition.
“We received two patients here but one of them who suffered a bullet wound that tore through his lungs before exiting the body succumbed to his injuries as we tried resuscitating him," stated Mary Mambo of Cana Health Centre in Mukuru kwa Njenga.
