Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Sunday, April 16, issued a warning against violence during Azimio’s planned rally on Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi.
Speaking to the media, Koome stated that police officers would respond to any attempts by individuals at the rally to destroy property or life.
The IG further acknowledged that the coalition had followed due process to hold the rally and it was therefore within the law.
“Azimio has stated that they will visit the Kamukunji grounds. They followed due process by writing to Shauri Moyo's OCS, and we approved the meeting because, unlike in the past, they followed the law.
“If Azimio attempts to destroy property or life in today's event, I shall respond using the resources bought by taxpayers’ money. As IG I will not allow what is happening in Khartoum to happen in Kenya,” Koome stated.
At the same time, the police boss dismissed Azimio’s letter to the International Criminal Court(ICC) calling for investigations on how police officers handle the Azimio weekly protests.
Koome claimed that the letter was a tribal track adding that he will not be cowed by the letter which he trashed as propaganda.
“I want to thank you for the letter. I will not be intimidated by the letter and I want to tell my officers not to be intimidated by the letter.
"That letter is being incited by a certain politician. It started with Muthaura, he was taken there and now it is me. Why are they targeting Meru people? Let us stop this tribal matter," Koome stated.
He reiterated that the police would continue to enforce security and protect the lives and property of Kenyans.
“We vowed to serve our country and we don't have another country. The National Police Service shall go the extra mile to protect everyone’s life and property, whether mighty or lowly, including members of the 4th estate,” he added.
On Friday, April 14, Azimio wrote to the International Criminal Court (ICC) based in the Hague, Netherlands, listing nine issues for which they sought ICC's intervention to restore order in the country.
In the letter, Azimio accused Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome of forming a rogue police unit to target its supporters during demonstrations.
It further accused IG Koome of threatening to inflict physical injuries on Azimio supporters during anti-government protests adding that law enforcement officers fired 10 rounds of ammunition at Azimio's leader Raila Odinga's car on Monday, April 3.
