The Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome has ordered stern administrative action on the police officers who lobbied teargas on innocent citizens marking the 79th birthday of Azimio leader Raila Amollo Odinga.
Sources have reported that besides the teargas police might have fired live bullets in the air.
Pandemonium broke out as a crowd celebrating Raila Odinga’s 79th birthday at the National Archives in Nairobi’s CBD was dispersed by the National Police Anti-Riot Unit, firing live bullets in the air and lobbing tear gas canisters.
ODM Communications Director Philip Etale reported that officers claimed to act under instructions from above and showed willingness to shoot at anyone present.
Advert”We have received orders from above to disperse this crowd here. We have been told Raila is coming here to start Maandamano” the OCS from Central Police Station is quoted to have said.
‘But surely, is there Intelligence in this country?” asked Etale, adding “Raila has been away down Coast for a week now.”
“Police in anti-riot gear has attacked peaceful Kenyans outside the National Archives as they were celebrating Raila Odinga’s birthday. They lobbed tear-gas canisters and shot live bullets in the air. They were led by OCPD Central.The cops under the command of Central Police Station OCS Mr. Shikuku were so petty. Quite unreasonable. Sad,” Etale added.
The incident occurred as Raila Odinga held a cake-cutting ceremony in Malindi, Kilifi County, where the main message was a call for President William Ruto to reduce taxation.
The Nairobi event coincided with the grand ceremony in Malindi, attended by political figures and citizens.
In other venues the celebrations, including the cake-cutting ceremony went fairly without incident.
Mr. Japheth Koome in a statement issued Sunday night said such action went against the National Police Service code of conduct and the perpetrators will be disciplined according to the Force Standing Orders.
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