IG Koome condemns violence against police; says 23 officers injured during Azimio protests

Inspector General (IG) of Police Japheth Koome on Tuesday, March 28 condemned what he said is violence against police officers on duty during Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition demonstrations.

While terming the demonstrations by the opposition coalition as illegal, IG Koome rued that on Monday, March 27 property of unknown value was destroyed in Nairobi, including two police vehicles.

He also says that 23 police officers were injured as they dealt with protesters.

Invasion of private property

Although IG Koome said that the police received reports of invasion and destruction of property of a farm belonging to the Kenyatta family in Ruiru along Eastern Bypass, he did not explain why the police did not respond immediately.

We also received reports of invasion and destruction of a farm in Kiambu County. Relatedly, we received reports of invasion of a private company within Embakasi area in Nairobi to which our officers responded swiftly and prevented further crimes," the IG said, in a statement seen by TV47 Digital.

He said that investigations into the destructions of property and injuries caused have began, with the aim of bringing to book all the perpetrators.

'We commend our officers'

The IG commended police officers for he says was "discharging their duties with utmost respect for the rule of law as demonstrated by their restrain during the unlawful protests." 

"We wish to assure the public that our country is safe. As a service, we remain focused on discharging our duties including maintenance of law and order, protection of life and property, and fostering good police-community relations, and reiterate that we will continue to do so without fear or favour," the IG concluded.