Police Encouraged to Defend Themselves During Protests

Police officers lob teargas at Azimio leader Raila Odinga's motorcade outside Serena Hotel, Nairobi on Monday, March 20, 2023.
Police officers lob teargas at Azimio leader Raila Odinga's motorcade outside Serena Hotel, Nairobi on Monday, March 20, 2023.
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The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) Chairman, Eliud Kinuthia, issued a stern warning to Kenyans on Saturday, March 25 about the countrywide protests planned by Azimio coalition members.

He spoke in Malindi County during a thanksgiving service adding that the commission will not hesitate to take action on any Kenyan who hurts police officers.

"It is an offense to hurt a police officer, therefore, to all Kenyans seeking to participate in the protesters please exercise caution when dealing with our employees," he added.

He emphasised that police officers were well trained to deal with Kenyans who will destroy public property and cause any disturbance.

Eliud Kinuthia, NPSC chairperson (centre) addresses the prevailing situation of police officers in Kerio Valley on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
Eliud Kinuthia, NPSC chairperson (centre) addresses the prevailing situation of police officers in Kerio Valley on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
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Eliud Kinuthia

"If you come to them carrying stones and hurling insults, I do not think I will encourage them to carry a rose flower. They will defend themselves and they are well trained to exercise caution," he stated.

Kinuthia encouraged police officers to defend themselves when faced with rowdy members of the public adding that suspects apprehended for damaging property will face dire consequences.

He further commended the Inspector General of the National Police Service (NPS), Japhet Koome, for containing the protests on Monday, March 20.

"Police officers have families, they are human beings and if you come to them in peace you will enjoy maandamano (protests)," he remarked.

Meanwhile, Azimio party leader Raila Odinga called for countrywide protests every Monday and Thursday beginning March 27.

The protests have, however, been received with mixed reactions with about 64 per cent of Kenyans disagreeing according to data from TIFA Research.

Additionally, on Saturday, March 25, President William Ruto while in Migori County asked Raila to call off the protests as a favour to him.

"When will you ever campaign for me? Why are you holding protests against my government?" Let him return the favour and vote for me, I suffered a lot while supporting him," Ruto pleaded.

A collage of President William Ruto (left) and Azimio leader Raila Odinga (right)
A collage of President William Ruto (left) and Azimio leader Raila Odinga (right)
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