Full NPS statement on violence metted on police by Azimio demonstrators.

The National Police Service boss Japheth Koome has released a statement on the violence metted on police by Azimio supporters during demonstration.

NPS say that the demonstration held in Nairobi and Kisumu on Monday 20th March, 2023, by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance leaders and their supporters was an illegal.

The protest was against what Azimio allegedly termed as high cost of living, but NPS says their sole aim was to invade the State House.

Apparently, police says, 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.

police details that the unwarranted day-long stand-off that was witnessed in Nairobi and Kisumu yesterday, amounts to nothing short of violence against police and economic sabotage.

“Despite their provocation against police, our Officers executed their national security mandate professionally; upholding the rule of law and utmost respect for humun rights” the statement read.

“In particular, Officers used force gradually beginning with the lowest threshold which is show-off force and barely reinforced by water cannons and lobbying teargas canisters to prevent the protestors from accessing central business districts of Nairobi and Kisumu, as well as protected areas, to prevent urther damage.”

“It ie regrettable that even after Officers restrained themselves, and acted within the law; and effectively contained the situation, rioters invaded Maseno Police Station, hulling stones at police officers and property, and in the process, we lost one male student from Maseno University.”

In compliance with the Constitution and the National Police Service Act of 2011, police says they have commenced Investigations into the matter. In addition, we remain open to external scrutiny by independent constitutional agencies as they strive to promote and practice transparency and accountability within the Police.

“We want to remind members of public that no one is above the law. Instead, there is a slippery slope between freedom of assembly, picketing, and petitioning as enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and the blatant infringement of the rights of others as we saw in yesterday’s unlawful demonstrations.”

“We therefore condemn in the strongest terms possible, the unwarranted violence that was meted against our Officers discharging their official duties.”

Police further claims that during yesterday’s demonstrations, they arrested 25 people, while 7 Officers were injured in Nyanza, while in Nairobi, 10 Police Vehicles were damaged, 24 Officers injured while persons arrested were 213.

“I want to commend our Officers throughout the Country. for their sacrificial service to our Nation and their patriotism.”

“As members of the National Police Service, we endeavor to remain politicaly impartial and hereby reiterate our commitment to serve and protect with the highest standards of professionalism and discipline.”