The National Police Service (NPS) is not intimidated by threats, Inspector-General of Police Japheth Koome told journalists on Sunday, in response to news of a letter from the opposition’s Azimio coalition to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
IG Koome was referring to opposition leader Raila Odinga‘s formal request for the intervention of the ICC over the alleged “killing and maiming” of his supporters by the police during anti-government demonstrations that began on March 20. His move signalled a long-drawn confrontation with President William Ruto’s administration.
In his response to Azimio’s move, IG Koome said he heard about the letter the media. He noted that the main aim of the police service is to serve the public.
“We at the National Police Service are not intimidated by it. I request members of the National Police Service not to be intimidated at all by threats to serve our good country, our good people and the many foreign visitors [we receive],” he said, adding officers should serve without fear and favour,” he said.
He added, “This is the only nation God gave us so we must love and serve it. We shall go the extra mile to protect everyone’s life and property, whether mighty or lowly, including members of the 4th estate.”
The IG dismissed the letter as “a mix of propaganda and half truths”, saying it left out victims of criminals who took advantage of the protests to loot from businesses and destroy property.
“That is propaganda. There are people who are very good at propaganda. In that letter have they talked about the Kisumu businessman who was crying? Did you see him saying he was rendered bankrupt in one day? Have they talked about a supermarket called Muhindi Mweusi? In one day somebody became a pauper by losing Sh20 million. In that letter, has that been mentioned or is it just mentioning Koome? They have mentioned Koome more than 20 times.”
He further dismissed claims in the letter that a special squad was deployed to target Azimio leaders and protesters.
The letter, calling on the ICC prosecutor to investigate IG Koome, claimed that “illegal” squads dressed in plain clothes and operating outside the normal command structure took directions directly from select commanders appointed for that purpose by the IG.
IG Koome further warned that should Azimio’s Sunday meeting turn chaotic, the NPS will respond accordingly.
The coalition has announced plans to embark on public engagement starting with Nairobi where they will hold a town hall meeting and a public baraza at Kamkunji grounds on Sunday.
“Azimio has said they will go to Kamukunji grounds. They followed due process by writing to the Shauri Moyo OCS and we okayed it [the meeting] because, unlike before, 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,” he said.
“They can go to Kamukunji grounds and talk but when it comes to looting, destroying property, killing or maiming and injuring people … that will not happen, not under my watch.”
He noted that they cannot allow Kenya to experience the violence taking place in Sudan.
“You know what is happening in Khartoum. As the IG I will not allow the same to happen here,” he said.
The IG also dismissed Azimio’s threat of fresh protests in the event bipartisan talks with the Kenya Kwanza government fail, saying any activity that will result in loss of life and property will be prohibited.
