By Brian Said Iha | Lamu | May 29, 2026
Human rights organization Haki Africa has expressed deep concern over reports of alleged police brutality in Siyu Village, Lamu East, following disturbing accounts and images circulating from the area.
The organization says it has received testimonies indicating excessive use of force by police officers during an incident that reportedly left several residents injured, including youth and school-going children. According to the reports, unarmed civilians were subjected to violence, raising serious constitutional and human rights concerns.
In its statement, Haki Africa warned that the allegations, if confirmed, would represent a grave violation of the Constitution of Kenya and international human rights standards governing law enforcement conduct.
“We are deeply concerned by disturbing reports and images emerging from Siyu Village, Lamu East, alleging excessive use of force and police brutality against residents, including youth and school-going children,” the statement read in part.
The organization further noted that early reports suggest there may have been casualties following the incident, though the exact number has not yet been independently verified. It emphasized that the use of force by law enforcement officers must always remain lawful, proportionate, and strictly accountable.
Haki Africa strongly condemned any form of torture, assault, or degrading treatment, stating that no Kenyan should be subjected to such violations under any circumstance.
“No Kenyan should be subjected to torture, assault, or degrading treatment under any circumstance,” the rights group stressed.
The organization has now called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to immediately launch an independent and thorough investigation into the incident. It urged the authority to establish the facts surrounding the alleged brutality and ensure that any officers found culpable are held accountable according to the law.
Haki Africa also appealed to relevant authorities to ensure that victims of the incident receive urgent medical attention and protection from any form of intimidation or further harm. It warned that failure to act decisively could deepen public mistrust in law enforcement institutions.
The organization reminded security agencies that the Constitution of Kenya guarantees every person the right to dignity, security, and freedom from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. It stressed that these rights apply universally and must be upheld by all state officers without exception.
“The Constitution of Kenya guarantees every person the right to dignity, security, and freedom from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment,” the statement emphasized.
As investigations are awaited, Haki Africa has expressed solidarity with the affected families and residents of Siyu Village, calling for calm, justice, and accountability. The group maintained that the pursuit of justice must follow lawful and transparent processes to ensure trust is restored between the public and security agencies.
The incident has sparked renewed calls from human rights defenders for stronger police accountability mechanisms and faster response to allegations of misconduct within law enforcement ranks.
