Protesters in Oyugis, Homa Bay, were on Thursday, March 30, spotted riding a police vehicle during the Azimo la Umoja mass action protests.
In a video clip seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the protesters climbed onto the back and sides of the police Land Cruiser.
A close inspection of the vehicle revealed that it belonged to the Rachuonyo South Sub County Police Commander.
However, the protesters had not commandeered the vehicle, as claimed, since two officers were in the vehicle when the clip was recorded.
The protesters carrying twigs chanted as the police vehicle drove along the town's main road. The demonstrators were engaged in peaceful picketing during the early morning hours.
When the protesters got to the destination, they disembarked from the vehicle and resumed their match across the town.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) responded to claims by a section of Azimio leaders that the police were used to cause chaos during the protests, albeit criminal gangs.
NPS refuted allegations that police vehicles were used to ferry criminals to counter the protesters allied to the opposition.
"We wish to bring to the attention of the General public that such unfounded and malicious claims are not only intended to cause unnecessary fear in society but are also deliberate moves meant to tarnish the image of the National Police Service," the statement read in part.
The officers reaffirmed that the institution was independent and was in place to serve the interests of all Kenyans.
"As a law enforcement agency, we wish to reiterate our commitment to discharge our Constitutional mandate; to serve and protect, without fear or favor, while adhering to the rule of law and utmost respect for human rights," the police noted.
Inspector General Japhet Koome, on Sunday, March 26, banned demonstrations across the country, stating that they were on the premise of political issues and hence needed to be addressed politically.
However, the opposition argued that such a declaration amounted to suspending the Constitution which advocates for protests and picketing.
