The Inspector General of Police (IG) Japhet Koome on Tuesday, April 4, explained that the injuries sustained by journalists during the mass action protest were because of the nature of their work.
Speaking at the Kenya School of Government, Koome termed the attacks on journalists as occupational hazards as they were caught in between the police and demonstrators.
He also expressed remorse over the attacks, especially by the police stating that none of it was deliberate.
"It is part of the professional hazard. A police officer will be injured and the media who want to be with us, we cannot lock you out of our operations.
"Likewise, you need to appreciate the fact that when you are in that situation, teargas canisters are being thrown and we could have injuries," he stated.
The police boss further denounced allegations that the National Police Service (NPS) was on a revenge mission against the media.
"You are our fellow Kenyans. I do not derive any pleasure or happiness out of injuring any journalists, but I have a duty to ensure peace and law and order and that is how we got to the situation that we were in recently," Koome stated.
The IG addressed the delay in responding to the attack on the Northlands Farm. In his defence, over allegations of intentional laxity, he noted that officers were handling distress calls in other parts of the country.
He however welcomed the decision by Azimio leader Raila Odinga to call off the demonstrations to pave way for dialogue with President William Ruto.
He confirmed that the anti-riot police officers who had been deployed around parts of the country were withdrawn and replaced with regular police.
Nonetheless, he stated that cops were deployed to the streets for the sole purpose of preventing crime and conducting patrols.
Koome's clarification came days after the media demanded that a plain-clothed officer who damaged and lobbed teargas into a vehicle ferrying journalists on March 27 be apprehended.
He assured that a probe was launched and that if found liable, the cop will be charged in accordance with the law.
