Police ready to deal with any troublemakers during protests, says IG Koome
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has issued a warning against violence in the planned Azimio demonstrations set to take place tomorrow.
Speaking to the media on Sunday, Koome urged Kenyans to go to work as usual and assured them that the police will ensure security is maintained.
“Kenyans should go to work tomorrow, and the police will ensure their safety. We will not allow anyone to disturb our country’s peace,” he said.
Koome went on to say that individuals who intend to use violence and are equipped with dangerous objects like machetes, stones, and clubs will be punished. He cautioned that they would be detained by the police and arrested regardless of their status.
“Others have stated that they will bring violence to Nairobi tomorrow. Nothing of the sort will happen because the police are ready to keep the country safe. Anyone found in possession of offensive weapons will be arrested,” said Koome.
“I will put you in a Land Cruiser regardless of your status. I will not arrest anyone in Prados; I have enough Land Cruisers,” he added.
Koome described the reasons for the protests as “political problems that require political solutions,” adding that he had a duty to protect the country.
“Don’t intimidate my junior officers. I am the Inspector General of the National Police Service and the buck stops with me,” he added.
Koome’s statement comes amid fears of violence during the Azimio coalition’s planned demonstrations.
The opposition has called for protests against Ruto, whom they claim was not legitimately elected in the August 2022 elections. They also blame Ruto’s administration for the rising cost of living.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has insisted that protests will go ahead as planned, claiming that Kenyan citizens have a constitutional right to demonstrate and that the police’s role is to protect them after they issue a notification in advance.
The protests are expected to take place in Nairobi and other major towns nationwide.