IG Koome Fresh Orders Into Azimio Demonstrations

The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has been directed to comprehensively investigate all offences committed during the Azimio protests held on March 20th and 27th, 2023.

The offences include social and media reports on the alleged loss of lives, acts of violence, destruction of property, arson and stealing, among other offences committed during the demonstrations contrary to the Penal Code, Chapter 63, Laws of Kenya.

The demonstrations also culminated with illegal raids that saw goons cut down trees and get away with livestock from Uhuru’s farm while another group riding on motorcycles attacked the Odinga’s company and pelted the building with stones, breaking windowpanes.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 28, the police boss said culprits found culpable of the raid will face the law.

“We received reports of invasion and destruction of a farm in Kiambu county. Relatedly, we received reports of an invasion of a private company within the Embakasi area in Nairobi to which our officers responded swiftly and prevented further crimes. Our investigation into the destruction and injuries caused has begun and those found culpable shall face the law. We are appealing to the public to adhere to the rule of law when exercising their Constitutional rights to picket, petition or demonstrate,” part of the statement read.

Also to be investigated are incidents of incitement and ethnic contempt on social media platforms, contrary to Article 33 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, The National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008 and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018.

“Whereas some suspects have been arrested and charged in court for various offences, persons culpable of planning, inciting, instigating, and/or financing the commission of the aforementioned offences have not been investigated,” notes the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji in a letter dated March 27, 2023, addressed to the Inspector General of Police Japet Koome.

“You are hereby directed to undertake comprehensive investigations into the aforementioned offences and ALL persons responsible for planning, inciting and causing the commotion.”

The Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has been directed to comprehensively investigate all offences committed during the Azimio protests held on March 20th and 27th, 2023.

The offences include social and media reports on the alleged loss of lives, acts of violence, destruction of property, arson and stealing, among other offences committed during the demonstrations contrary to the Penal Code, Chapter 63, Laws of Kenya.

Also to be investigated are incidents of incitement and ethnic contempt on social media platforms, contrary to Article 33 (2) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, The National Cohesion and Integration Act, 2008 and the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018.

“Whereas some suspects have been arrested and charged in court for various offences, persons culpable of planning, inciting, instigating, and/or financing the commission of the aforementioned offences have not been investigated,” notes the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji in a letter dated March 27, 2023, addressed to the Inspector General of Police Japet Koome.

“You are hereby directed to undertake comprehensive investigations into the aforementioned offences and ALL persons responsible for planning, inciting, instigating, and/or financing the commission of any offence and submit the investigation file within fourteen (14) days of the date hereof.”

Haji says his office is committed to upholding the rule of law and respect for human rights in the discharge of its mandate, adding that any person found culpable for the commission of any offence shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

g, instigating, and/or financing the commission of any offence and submit the investigation file within fourteen (14) days of the date hereof.”

Haji says his office is committed to upholding the rule of law and respect for human rights in the discharge of its mandate, adding that any person found culpable for the commission of any offence shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.