Anglican bishops from the Nyanza region have called on the government to disband the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
In a press briefing on Friday, June 20, the clerics opined that individuals in power were using the agency to harass Kenyans.
The bishops expressed that the DCI had become a dreaded unit, hence the proposal to have it disbanded.
Further, the clerics also wondered whether the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) was undertaking its mandate as enshrined in the laws of Kenya.
"The time has come for a body like the DCI to be phased out. It has become a dreaded unit used by those in power to harass Kenyans.
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"IPOA has failed Kenyans and it is seen as a toothless dog that can't bite but talk louder enough to confuse the nation that it is working," read the statement in part.
Further, the clerics called on the police to respect human rights, acknowledging that the recent actions had strained their relationship with Kenyans.
“When it reaches a point when people see the police as enemies number one, then you know that we have lost the nation to lawlessness,” Maseno South Bishop Charles Onginjo stated.
According to the bishops, the recent cases of police brutality, such as the killing of Albert Ojwang, and insensitivity were the driving forces fueling the youth to protest against the officers.
"Please come to terms with the fact that many Kenyans are cursing you every day because of your heartless and callous manner of dealing with the members of the public.
"This kind of behavior has led to the radicalization of our youth as they resist this totalitarianism and its many manifestations," read the statement in part.
