- DPP Nordin Haji says his office was committed to fair application of the law and that anybody found to be culpable by the probe will be prosecuted
- At the same time, police boss Koome has condemned the injury of police officers who participated in restraining protesters
Image: FILE
Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has given police chief Japheth Koome 14 days to investigate top financiers and planners of looting and vandalism during Azimio protests.
In a letter to Koome on Tuesday, Haji said he was concerned that while some people who destroyed properties had been arrested and arraigned, their inciters and planners have not been touched.
"Whereas some suspects have been arrested and charged in court for various offences, we have noted that persons culpable for planning, inciting, instigating, financing the commission of the ...offences have not been investigated," he said.
The DPP said he wants all the people involved in the backroom planning of the illegalities investigated and their file put before him within 14 days for his consideration.
"...you are hereby directed to undertake a comprehensive investigation [into the offences] and all persons responsible for planning, inciting instigating and financing commission of any offence and submit the investigation file within 14 days," he said.
The direction by Haji comes as the nation reels from the aftermath of the Monday protests, which turned into ugly clashes between protesters and the police.
It also degenerated into invasion of the farm belonging to Kenyatta family in Ruiru and vandalism of Azimio chief Raila Odinga's Spectre International factory in Industrial area by goons.
Livestock was carted away from the Kenyattas' Northlands farm and trees cut using power saw before the property was torched in the night.
National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichungwah distanced himself from the invasion of the Kenyatta's Northlands property.
This is after a clip that had him appear to be inciting youths to target private farms, including Kenyatta's, surfaced and went viral.
Haji says his office was committed to fair application of the law and that anybody found to be culpable by the probe will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
At the same time, police boss Koome has condemned the injury of police officers who participated in restraining protestors.
Koome said some 23 officers were injured while on duty and two police vehicles destroyed during the demos. He said property of unknown value was destroyed.
He said they have started investigation into the violence and the invasion of the properties and that those culpable will be held to book.
"Our investigation into the destruction and injuries caused has began and those found culpable shall face the law."
Law Society of Kenya also added its voice in the ongoings in the country, blaming the police for alleged partisan conduct while managing the demos.
"It is the duty of the police to provide security to all Kenyans regardless of their political affiliations. The country is unsafe if the police choose to engage in political activity," LSK president Eric Theuri said.
-Edited by SKanyara