President William Ruto, on Tuesday, March 28, directed the Inspector General (IG) of Police, Japhet Koome, to ensure that the chaotic scenes witnessed on Monday, March 27, do not occur again and that he should make non-influenced decisions.
While addressing Kenyans living in Germany, Ruto acknowledged that he was aware of the destruction of property and mayhem after Azimio La Umoja's second nationwide protest.
He, however, did not directly speak on the invasion of the Kenyatta family's Northlands City and Spectre, a gas company, owned by former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
“Today the Inspector General of Police is solely responsible for both the operations and the financial requirements of the police operations. The police force should make independent decisions on what they want to do to secure the country,” the President directed the force.
He also stressed that he would not allow impunity to be tolerated in the country, and as the Commander in Chief, he would ensure every Kenyan enjoys his unalienable rights.
“Kenya is a country of rule of law and has responsible citizens. As President, I will ensure that no one’s property is destroyed or life lost,” the President assured.
“That is what makes us equal. Nobody should trample on the rights of others,” the Head of State remarked.
Meanwhile, the President issued his directive after the police were widely criticised for a slow response to the raid at Northlands City, owned by former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s family.
Downplaying the criticism, the police, in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 28, stated that contrary to reports, they had acted swiftly.
"We 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," the statement read in part.
"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," Koome added.
Kikuyu MP, Kimani Ichungw'ah, was among the government officials accused of orchestrating the chaos. A video of the MP threatening to go after Uhuru and Raila's property was shared wide, forcing the leader of the majority in the National Assembly to defend himself.
"The police can access my phone to establish who I spoke to, if I did any mobilisation, or which places I visited on or before Monday, March 27. I’m ready to have an investigations file opened against me," Ichungw'ah explained, distancing himself from the invasion.
