At least 23 police officers were injured during Monday 27th March 2023 demonstrations.
In a press statement dated 28th March 2023, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome condemned the acts of violence meted out against police officers during Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya planned protests.
“The National Police Service has noted with utmost concern, and therefore strongly condemns, the violent attacks against police officers on duty, and destruction of property resulting from Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance unlawful demonstrations in Nairobi,” read the statement.
Koome said investigations into destructions and injuries caused during the demos had begun.
“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,” said IG Koome in the statement.
The IG assured the public of the country’s safety saying the police are focused on discharging their duties including maintenance of law and order, protection of life and property, and fostering good police-community relations.
“We commend our officers for discharging their duties with utmost respect for the rule of law as demonstrated by their restrain during the unlawful protests,” said IG Koome.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Noordin Haji, has given the police 14 days to investigate those behind the violence and destruction of property during the Monday 20th and 27th protests.
“Reference is made to the social and mainstream media reports on the alleged loss of lives, acts of violence, destruction of property, arson, stealing among other offenses during the demonstrations, contrary to Article 33(2) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, the National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008, and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018,” read a letter from the DPP.
In his letter to the IG, the DPP said that whereas some people had been arrested and charged in court, the people culpable for financing, inciting and instigating the aforementioned offenses had not been investigated.
“Consequently, pursuant to Article 157(4) of the Consitution of Kenya, 2010, you are hereby directed to undertake comprehensive investigations into the aforementioned offences, and ALL persons responsible for planning, inciting, instigating, and/or financing the commission of any offences and submit the investigation file within fourteen (14) days of the date hereof,” said the DPP.
