Police statement on Azimio’s Tuesday demo, 46 nabbed.

The National Police Service NPS, in statement by Noor Gabow says it unequivocally condemns acts of violence and wanton destruction of property perpetuated today (2nd May 2023) by supporters of Azimio La Umoja-one Kenya Alliance who were reportedly participating in what it terms as “illegal demonstrations” in parts of Nairobi and few other areas in the country.

During the day, NPS note that pockets of demonstrators emerged from a number of areas, and in the guise of peaceful demonstrators; Burnt a PSV along Ngong Road, number KBV 362R which was being driven by Francis Ogeto after they had barricaded the road with stones and lit bonfires.

NPS further note that Azimio supporters burnt a transit goods truck along the Southern bypass, number KDH 917Y which was being driven Jibril Abduba to deliver goods to Uganda.

Along Juja Road, NPS says in a statement that approximately 50 of these criminals under the guise of peaceful demonstrations attacked Juja Road Shell Petrol Station where they stole twelve gas cylinders, destroyed three fuel pumps, and shattered windows in respect of KBỌ 228P Isuzu Matatu and KAY 513Z private vehicle.

“A number of stations have also reported indiscriminate stoning of motorists and we are following to establish the full extent of damages and injuries if any.”

Besides the above, NPS remarks that there were also attempts to engage in other elements of violence and criminality including barricading of roads and lighting of bonfires.

“The lighting of bonfires, destroying our roads as well as throwing stones and indiscriminately harming individual properties does not fall under peaceful demonstrations.” Part of the statement reads.

“As such, our officers will continue to deal firmly with these cases every time they occur.”

The National Police Service, says it has a responsibility to maintain law and order and protect life and property.

“In this regard, those who are intending to cause disturbances in the name of peaceful demonstrations should desist from doing so.”

“We want to strongly warn these elements that their actions are causing unnecessary fear and panic amongst the law abiding Citizens and as such, appropriate measures will be put in place to ensure that normal day to day activities of the wananchi are safeguarded.”

So far, police says, the have arrested forty six suspects and they are still pursuing others captured in cameras engaging in acts of criminality.

“Meanwhile, the Director, Directorate of Criminal Investigations and his team is investigating all aspects of law breaking which have been reported with a view of taking appropriate action.”

“The National Police Service wishes to strongly caution all Kenyans from engaging in acts of lawlessness and that anybody caught breaking the law or participating in any activity deemed illegal will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

NPS further commend the many counties where members of the public were able to observe peace and shunned the demonstrations, thereby ensuring that economic activities and normalcy were not disrupted.

NPS also commended police officers for standing firm and ensuring that the majority of law abiding citizens are protected.