Kisumu: Police officer succumbs to injuries sustained during Azimio protests

A police officer based in Kisumu has succumbed to injuries sustained during Thursday Azimio protests- Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome says.

In a statement released on Friday, IG Koome said that a further 20 officers sustained serious injuries.

"As a result of yesterday's demonstrations, one police officer in Kisumu succumbed to injuries sustained while on duty, 20 officers were seriously injured as they repulsed violent demonstrators," the police boss said.

Property of unknown value was also destroyed as hooligans masquerading as protesters raided private property.

Koome revealed that investigations into reported cases of looting had begun and suspects found guilty would be held accountable.

"All efforts will be put to protect life and property. This will be done without fear or favour regardless of any amount of threats or intimidation," he added.

President William Ruto on Friday weighed in on the Azimio demonstrations, urging protesters to maintain peace.

"Having divergent ideas is part of what we celebrate as a democracy... It is my position that the Constitution did not envisage that different positions would result in chaos or loss of property or life," the President added.