Kindiki Gives Stringent Order After Civilians Storm 4 Police Stations

Interior Ministry CS Kithure Kindiki addressing the press on May 15, 2023.
Interior Ministry CS Kithure Kindiki addressing the press on May 15, 2023.
Photo
Ministry of Interior and National Administration

Interior Cabinet Secretary on Wednesday, May 31, issued strict orders to police officers on what they should do when attacked by irate members of the public.

While addressing the press from his  Harambee House office, Kindiki was appalled by the rising cases of civilians storming protected areas and attacking law enforcement officers.

According to Kindiki, four police stations were invaded within one month, and a number of police officers were seriously wounded during the attacks that also saw members of the public injured.

"Last month, a group of people who felt aggrieved decided that they would storm Wajir Police Station and tried to overrun it simply because they were not happy with the officers.

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki (centre) talks to police officers based at Isebania station, Migori County on May 31, 2023.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki (centre) talks to police officers based at Isebania station, Migori County on May 31, 2023.
Photo
Kithure Kindiki

"Last week, citizens who in my view appeared to have genuine grievances in Kericho and Bomet, attacked police stations and burnt them down, and when we ask, we are told that they have the right to protest," Kindki narrated.

The Interior Cabinet Secretary also claimed that the groups that attacked police officers were organised by local leaders who finances and directed the violent activities.

"Last weekend, heavily armed civilians stormed Isebania Police Station. They were highly organised when they attempted to break into the armory in order to take the gun. They also attempted to free the civilian who had been arrested and placed in lawful custody," Kindki stated.

In response, Kindiki noted that the Kenya Kwanza government will not take lightly any reports of misconduct emanating from police officers. He explained that rogue officers will be axed from their jobs instead of being transferred to new stations.

"I have therefore made it very clear that as security agencies, we will take personal responsibilities. When our officers engage in corruption and other criminal activities, we will take action against such officers.

"We are willing to part ways with any Police officer who misused his or her authority. We will no longer transfer such officers," Kindiki warned police officers.

At the same time, the Interior Cabinet Secretary cautioned civilians against taking the law into their own hands, noting that it will be business as usual for those who will attempt to overrun police stations who agitate against police actions or inactions.

"I have also made it very clear that it doesn't matter the nature of the grievances that we have. We must resolve them within the law, peacefully.

"We will not allow members of the public to storm police officers and undermind the peace and order, and destroy facilities," Kindiki warned.

He ordered the police to use their constitutional provisions to ensure that protected areas and public installations were guarded against those seeking revenge against the government.

"Any member of the public who tries to access a protected like a Police Station will be dealt with immediately and with finality, but of course, within the law. And that is an order that has been issued," Kindiki stated.

Prof Kindiki revealed that his ministry had completed an assessment of the country’s key national security threats.

"We’ve been able to scan, map and prioritise the priorities we have if we have to move Kenya to the League of safe countries in the World. I did promise sometime last year that the Kenya Kwanza administration is going to be the administration that will completely obliterate bandits from Kenya and make them part of our history," Kindiki assured.  

Photo collage of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome (left) and suspected armed bandits.
Photo collage of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome (left) and suspected armed bandits (right).
Photo: NPS/KNA
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