IG Koome condemn violent attacks on police officers, members of public, destruction of property during demonstrations
The Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome has condemned acts of violence and vandalism witnessed yesterday during the anti-government protests called by the Azimio One Kenya coalition.
The IG through a statement stated that the demos resulted to the death of one police officer who succumbed to injuries while on duty in Kisumu county while 20 others injured as they repulsed violent demonstrators.
“Property whose value is yet to be determined was destroyed as hooligans masquerading as protestors invaded private property,” the IG stated.
“We commend all officers for their commitment, resilience and acting within the confines of the law, in the efforts to quell the chaos yesterday,” he added.
He further assured the public of the police’ security and safety and also urged the latter to remain focused executing their mandate to serve and protect.
The IG observed that the right to picket does not give demonstrators any right to destroy property, cause a disturbance or attack police officers.
He noted that investigations into incidents of robbery are underway and those culpable to be prosecuted.
Yesterday’s demonstrations saw a number of journalists sustaining injuries during the demonstrations in Nairobi.
Several journalists were assaulted, vehicles vandalised and their phones and equipment stolen by goons in the city.
One Dismas Nabiswa was critically injured while fleeing from a mob of rioters who were pelting stones in a bid to stop him from capturing the demos.
He was rescued by boda boda operators who rushed him to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and later transferred to Avenue Hospital.
