Nyong’o Suspends County Askaris Who Dragged Hawker

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o on Thursday, March 25, suspended 12 County Askaris after an incident involving a woman working as a hawker being dragged by one of their vehicles caused a social media uproar.

In a statement, Nyong'o expressed disappointment at the officers' actions and wished the woman a speedy recovery.

"While away in Nairobi on official Council of Governors’ meetings, I have been saddened and shocked by a very unfortunate incident in Kisumu...

"I have directed the City Manager to immediately suspend from duty all the officers who were involved in this incident with immediate effect, until the conclusion of the ongoing probe on the matter," he stated.

Nyong'o further asked all County enforcement officers to undertake their duties while according the full respect to human rights. At the same time, he asked members of the public to respect and adhere to City Regulations and the Rule of Law.

The incident caused a public uproar after the video went viral, prompting several Kenyans to demand action taken against the officers.

The woman was at Angáwa Street heading to Kisumu Main Bus Terminus when the askaris ambushed her.

“I was not aware of their presence, so when several hands held me, I tried to turn and see what was happening but it was not possible. They handled me inappropriately and tried to bundle me into the back of the pickup,” she disclosed.

The woman's 22-year-old son who had made an attempt to rescue her was booked by the officer.