The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that a police officer has been severely injured after rioters stoned him as the repeat presidential election kicked off.
In a statement released on Thursday, NPS reported that the officer was part of a team that was confronting the rioters along the Kisii - Oyugis road.
The confrontation escalated as the police attempted to remove barricades put up by the rioters when they pelted them with stones.
[caption caption="File image of protesters and police in a stand-off"]
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"A Police officer who was on public order duty with other officers confronted a riotous mob blocking the Kisii - Oyugis road, was hit on the mouth with a stone hurled using a catapult and was severely injured," the statement read in part.
The statement went on to outline that one person had been shot dead after a group of protesters attacked a police station in Suba South constituency.
"We have however had a case of shooting in Homa Bay County where a large mob attacked a small Police facility called Sindo Police Post in Suba South and the few Police officers on duty were constrained to use live fire to protect themselves and the armoury," read the statement signed by the Assistant Inspector General (AIG), George Kinoti.
Mr Kinoti also dismissed reports indicating that the police had shot a person in Mathare constituency, Nairobi.
"This is not only patently false but also aimed at portraying the ongoing presidential election as marred by widespread violence," he stated.
He added that only five of the 47 counties had witnessed protests from gangs of rowdy youth.
The AIG reiterated that the police are under strict instructions not to use live bullets in their duty to maintain law and order.
[caption caption="Assistant Inspector General George Kinoti"]
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"We wish to reiterate that Police officers deployed countrywide are under strict instruction to respond to acts of public disorder using lawful means and apply proportionate force with a view to restoring law and order.
"Additionally, those who wish to participate, or abstain in today's elections must be allowed to enjoy that right," Mr Kinoti urged.
