Muslim for Human Rights (MUHURI) on Sunday, March 26, questioned Police Inspector General (IG) Japhet Koome’s decision to recall the security detail of select Azimio leaders.
The Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), which is chaired by former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, noted that the IG had erred.
MUHURI further remarked that IG Koome would be blamed for any chaos that would be witnessed during the Monday, March 27, demonstrations.
“IG Koome, at a press briefing on Sunday, March 26, revealed that he had recalled the police officers guarding the Azimio leaders.
“Koome should know that it is the right of every Kenyan to get security and protection from the police. It is not a favour but a right,” a letter from MUHURI read in part.
The Mutunga-led rights group regretted what it termed as police taking sides on matters of public interest.
“We are seriously disturbed by the character of the Inspector General who has taken sides in a matter of national and public interest, and a matter as critical as security,” Mutunga stated.
The organisation, therefore, urged the police force to remain neutral on the issue of demonstrations.
“The IG should know that the National Police Service is an independent constitutional body mandated by the people of Kenya through the Constitution to protect and provide security and serve all Kenyans equally,” Koome was urged.
MUHURI noted that Koome would be blamed for any loss of life or destruction of property witnessed during the planned demonstrations.
“IG Koome will be held responsible and accountable for any life lost in the demonstrations tomorrow.
“The police must protect the lives and property of all Kenyans. We call for professionalism from the police and peaceful protests from Kenyans,” the letter stated.
On Sunday, March 26, IG Koome acknowledged that he had withdrawn security for some politicians.
“The IG will give all VIPS security. But there is no way I can give you security if you use the same privilege to throw stones at me. So, it’s true, all those who have been involved in throwing stones at the police I have withdrawn their security," he remarked.
Raila and his team, however, maintained that the demonstrations planned for Monday and Thursday would still go on as planned and accused Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of planning to disrupt the protests.
