Police have issued a statement condemning the violence meted on anti-riot police officers during the Azimio protests held on Monday, March 20, 2023.
In a statement, Inspector General (IG) of police Japhet Koome claimed that officers were attacked by protesters while discharging their official duties.
While condemning the incident, he affirmed that the police only acted within the law but the protesters were mainly focused on causing disruptions.
"What the organizers purported to be a peaceful demonstration turned into violent crime scenes with protestors engaging in running battles with and stone-throwing at the anti-riot police officers, barricading roads thus hindering freedom of movement for law-abiding citizens," he stated.
The police boss specifically pointed out the Maseno University incident where students allegedly invaded Maseno police station and caused disruption forcing police to use force. Koome pledged that the culprits will be arrested and brought to book.
Further, the police IG disclosed that 25 people in Nyanza were arrested while 213 people were arrested in Nairobi. He also noted that 7 police officers were left injured in Kisumu while 24 police officers were wounded in Nairobi.
"In compliance with the Constitution and the National Police Service Act of 20111, we have commenced our investigations into the matter. In addition, we remain open to external scrutiny by independent constitutional agencies as we strive to promote and practice transparency and accountability within the police," he added.
