The Kenyan government has written to UK authorities following an incident in which officers from the Essex Police Department were captured on camera assaulting a Kenyan man.
The incident came to light after a four-minute video showing a group of officers manhandling the man identified as Wycliff Cox went viral on social media sparking outrage.
Cox, who is said to be suffering from a mental problem, was brutalized during his arrest after he allegedly flouted bail terms.
Reports indicate Cox attempted to escape after police arrived at his mother’s home in Colchester, Essex to arrest him, and in the process of fleeing, he kicked one of the officers, hence attracting their wrath.
In the video, a woman believed to be his mother is heard shouting and pleading with the officers to spare his son, who is pinned to the ground.
“Don’t kill my son…don’t…” she yells.
In a statement on Monday, Kenya High Commission in London said it had taken up the matter with UK authorities.
“The Kenya High Commission in the United Kingdom has received a disturbing video that has been making rounds on social media including on the YouTube channel (https://youtube.be/ntp-xhabszq) where police officers in Colchester, Essex are seen to assault a Kenyan national, Mr. Wycliff Cox.”
“The High Commission has already communicated with the UK Government raising the Government of Kenya’s concerns on the unnecessary force on an unarmed man,” the mission said.
The mission further noted that it communicated with Cox’s family and assured them of the government’s support as they seek justice for their son.
“The Government of Kenya is keen that the case that was reported to the UK authorities in late September 2020 be thoroughly investigated so that justice is seen to be done, and also that all involved be held to account for their actions according to UK police conduct and regulations. The health, welfare, and safety of Kenyans living in the United Kingdom remain a priority for the Mission and the Government of the Republic of Kenya,” the mission added.
