The Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome has responded to reports that the police ignored distress calls following the invasion of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Northlands farm on March 27, 2023.
In a statement to media houses, Koome claimed police officers were engaged during the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition party demos which took part the same day.
"We had officers spread all over in Kibera, in Kawangware and were responding to situations as they were getting and receiving distress calls. I think we did well as a service," Koome said.
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Northlands invasion
On March 27, 2023, a mob stormed former Presidents Jomo and Uhuru Kenyatta's Northlands farm in Ruiru well-armed with machetes and power saws before they began to cut down eucalyptus trees and carted away sheep grazing after accessing the land from Kamakis along the Eastern Bypass.
Police responded 24 hours later, despite admitting that they received distress calls from the farm.
Koome has also announced that investigations have commenced regarding an officer who was captured on camera breaking and smashing the Azimio media vehicle during protests on Thursday.
Koome said the officer, if found culpable, will face the law just like any other Kenyan involved in criminal activity.
He also apologized to journalists who sustained injuries inflicted by police while covering protests saying it was not intentional
“Some of us have relatives and close friends who are journalists, like some of you I'm seeing here. My close friends, I cannot wake up one day with the intention to harm you,” he said.
