The Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, on Tuesday, March 28, responded to the attack on Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta's Northland farm, arguing that police responded swiftly contrary to reports.
Koome first condemned the violent attacks against police on duty and the destruction of property, which he argued was necessitated by the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance unlawful demonstrations in Nairobi.
On the Northlands City and Spectre raids, police deviated from mentioning the private properties, and only referred to them by their location.
"We also received reports of the invasion and destruction of a farm in Kiambu County. Relatedly, we received reports of an invasion of a private company within the Embakasi area in Nairobi, to which Our Officers responded swiftly and prevented further crimes," Koome stated, despite reports indicating that police took hours to respond to the raids.
Videos captured showed rowdy youth breaching the security fences, cutting down trees, stealing and slaughtering sheep, with some animals even sold for as low as Ksh1,000 on Thika Superhighway.
Koome also spoke on the destruction of property and attacks melted on police, stating "Yesterday, Monday, March 20, 2023, [sic] (he was referring to Monday, March 27) property of unknown value was destroyed in Nairobi, including two police motor vehicles and 23 officers injured.
"Our investigation into the destructions and injuries caused has begun, and those found culpable shall face the law. We appeal to the public to adhere to the rule of law when exercising their Constitutional rights to picket, petition or demonstrate."
He, nonetheless, lauded police for discharging their duties with the utmost respect for the rule of law, stating that they demonstrated restraint during the unlawful protests.
"Finally, we wish to assure the public that Our Country is safe. As a Service, we remain focused on discharging our duties, including maintaining law and order, protecting life and property, and fostering good police-community relations, and reiterate that we will continue to do so without fear or favour," Koome detailed.
In the same statement, IG Koome revealed that two police vans were torched during the protest, mainly affecting Kibra and Kawangware estates.
Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga on Monday, March 27, condemned the raid on Uhuru's farm and called on state agencies to promptly investigate the matter.
Raila also warned the goons who attacked his industrial company, the East Africa Spectre Limited gas plant along Mombasa Road, Nairobi.
“Those cowards sent goons today to Uhuru Kenyatta’s farm. They have also resorted to sending people to my Spectre factory. That is an act of crime,” Odinga told protesters in Nairobi’s Kibera area.
The Opposition leader reiterated that protests would continue until President William Ruto meets his demands.
