One cop dead, 20 injured following Thursday protests – IG Koome
One police officer was killed and 20 others seriously injured following violent protests that rocked Kenya on Thursday, according to a statement issued by the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.
The statement said that the officer died from injuries sustained while on duty in Kisumu, where demonstrators supporting the opposition leader Raila Odinga clashed with the police.
According to Koome, the protests also led to property theft and damage in Nairobi and other regions of the country. He denounced the violence, which he claimed was carried out by hooligans posing as protesters who broke into homes and attacked bystanders.
Koome noted that investigations into the robbery instances are ongoing, and anyone involved will face the harshest legal penalties.
“Property whose value is yet to be determined was destroyed as hooligans masquerading as protestors invaded private property. Investigations into incidents of robbery that have been reported are underway and those culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Koome said.
Koome also commended their officers for their commitment, resilience and professionalism in quelling the chaos and said they acted within the confines of the law.
He assured the public of their security and safety and said they remain focused on executing their mandate to serve and protect.
The statement warned that the right to picket does not give the demonstrators any right to destroy property, cause a disturbance or attack police officers as witnessed during yesterday’s demos.
The statement added that the police will use all internationally accepted policing strategies and within the law to ensure Kenya remains safe and secure for all and that they will protect life and property without fear or favour regardless of any threats or intimidation.