Eight police officers were accused of assaulting and stealing from a motorist at night along Saba Saba Maweni in Malindi County on Tuesday, August 15.
According to a statement from the Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) issued on Thursday, the victim was driving home on the alleged day when he encountered the rogue officers beating up a tourist.
He allegedly stopped his car and attempted to help the severely bruised foreigner. However, the police turned against the motorist, bundled him out of his car, and mercilessly beat him, nearly breaking his hands.
It was reported that the officers also stole Ksh46,000 from him and drove his car to the police station without his permission.
To compound the issue, the officers accused the victim of assaulting them and booked him for obstruction.
He was, however, released on a Ksh30,000 bail and is set to appear before a court on Friday, August 18.
The 33-year-old businessman was rushed to the Malindi Sub-County Hospital for treatment immediately after his release.
Following the incident, the human rights group filed a complaint with the Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to initiate investigations against the suspects and hold them accountable for their actions.
"MUHURI is concerned about the increasing number of cases of police brutality in Kenya. This month alone, we have received four reports of police officers assaulting and robbing innocent Kenyans. We are calling on the Interior CS, Prof Kithure Kindiki, to take action to stop this trend," read part of the statement.
The human rights group further vowed to ensure all officers found guilty of assaulting innocent Kenyans will be charged.
Cases of police brutality have been on the rise, especially with the previous anti-government countrywide protests where demonstrators engaged police in running battles.
At least 305 officers were seriously injured, 158 police vehicles were destroyed, and 850 shops were broken into, among other damages and losses.
The incidents were met with severe criticism by the government, which condemned the opposition, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and accused it of holding violent protests.
Conversely, the opposition claimed that the officers attacked peaceful protesters and used extra force to quell demonstrations.
