IG Koome Addresses Concerns by Kenyans Ahead of Azimio Protests

The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Sunday, March 26, assured Kenyans that the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) would be secured ahead of the planned mass action.

Speaking during a press conference, Koome confirmed that those planning to cause chaos within the CBD would be stopped at the estates.

In addition, he banned entry into the city with certain objects which he termed offensive weapons.

“People are allowed to come to the city. However, if you have plans to bring violence and if you are armed with offensive weapons such as machetes, stones, and clubs, you will face the music.

“Regardless of your status, I will throw you into a Land Cruiser. I will not arrest anyone in Prados, and you will be taken into police custody,” Koome explained.

The IG defended the National Police Service from accusations that they had selected to side with the government in the wake of the mass demonstrations.

“I do not even know what the server is. Why do they want to bring down the country because of a phenomenon that the common citizen does not even comprehend?

“Those are political issues that need political solutions. But when it comes to matters of security, I have a mandate as the IG to ensure the protection of property and life and I will not sleep on that job,” Koome affirmed.

The Police Boss called out Azimio over intimidating junior officers following their threats to file a case against Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei at the International Criminal Court.

He also castigated the opposition over the public naming and shaming of a police officer in Maseno accused of gunning down a university student during the demonstrations.

“They have put a constable all over social media, why don’t you target the IG? Face me, I will deal with you!” The IG posed.

His pronouncements came a day after President William Ruto asked Odinga to call off the mass action protests. However, the former Premier fired back, telling Ruto that he was not one to take orders from him.

Odinga is set to lead mass action on Monday and on Thursday, March 30. Meanwhile, President Ruto is out of the country on a four-day visit to Germany and Belgium.