Residents accuse police of torture

Emotions ran high in Nambale Parish, Bukusu Sub-county in Manafwa District, as residents, who were allegedly tortured by police officers during the manhunt for a suspect, recounted the ordeal.
The residents, who sustained severe injuries, including fractures, were reportedly tortured during the manhunt for the suspect, who had escaped from police custody at Manyenze Police Station on May 6. The suspect, a resident of the same village, is accused of killing Edward Wadawa, 50, on May 2.

During a door-to-door search led by the district police commander (DPC), Mr Dennis Kamugisha, the resident claim they were beaten and forced to admit the whereabouts of the wanted suspect.
The operation was conducted in four sub-counties of Namabya, Bukusu, Maefe and Makenya. During the operation, 14 residents were also arrested by police.
A letter written by the district chairperson, Mr John Musila, dated May 9, 2019, addressed to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Ahamad Washaki, about 40 residents were tortured and left with severe injuries.
Mr Edward Naluwende, one of the area village chairpersons, who was also a victim, said the police acted unprofessionally.

Police responds
Mr Kamugisha, acknowledged that there were mistakes during the search but said dialogue between police and leaders is the only viable solution.