- Several officers reported they used more than 100 live bullets in the chaos that broke out as police confronted pockets of protesters.
- The injured were treated and discharged, police said.
Image: DANIEL OGENDO
More than 200 people were arrested during Monday’s mass protests, police revealed.
Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome said 31 police officers were injured in the chaos in a day officers clashed with protesters who turned up following a call to protest the high cost of living, among other issues.
“We wish to inform the public that during yesterday's (Monday) demonstrations, we arrested 25 people, while seven officers were injured in Nyanza, while in Nairobi, 10 police vehicles were damaged [and] 24 officers injured while persons arrested were 213,” Koome said.
Most of them were released from custody on Tuesday after protesting they were being held illegally.
Koome said the protests only happened Nairobi and Kisumu, whereas there were protests in Kitale, Nyamira, Nakuru, Thika, Migori and Mombasa.
The IG said one male student from Maseno University was killed in the protests in Kisumu, adding that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
“In compliance with the Constitution and the National Police Service Act of 2011, we have commenced our investigations into the matter. In addition, we remain open to external scrutiny by independent constitutional agencies as we strive to promote and practice transparency and accountability within the police,” he said.
“We want to remind members of public that no one is above the law. Instead, there is a slippery slope between freedom of assembly, picketing and petitioning as enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and the blatant infringement of the rights of others as we saw in yesterday's (Monday) unlawful demonstrations.”
He condemned the violence that was meted against officers discharging their official duties, even as he commended police throughout the country for their sacrificial service to the nation and their patriotism.
“As members of the National Police Service, we endeavour to remain politically impartial and hereby reiterate our commitment to serve and protect with the highest standards of professionalism and discipline,” Koome said.
“Despite their provocation against police, our officers executed their national security mandate professionally; upholding the rule of law and utmost respect for human rights.”
He said police used force gradually, beginning with the lowest threshold, which is show-off force and barely reinforced by water cannons and throwing teargas canisters to prevent the protestors from accessing central business districts of the cities, as well as protected areas, to prevent further destruction.
More than 10 police vehicles, especially in Nairobi, were damaged in the clashes that took place in various places.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki commended police conduct during the protests.
“The National Police Service has done our country proud, despite the day-long provocation by unruly protesters. Kenya must end impunity and apply one Constitution and one set of laws for everyone, for enduring peace and stability of our Nation,” he said.
A senior police officer said he lost his pistol magazine in the melee in Embakasi area.
The issue is under probe.
Several officers reported they used more than 100 live bullets in the chaos that broke out as police confronted pockets of protesters.The injured were treated and discharged, police said. One of them had tear gas burns on the stomach.
Police headquarters said there were pockets of protests in Migori, Kisumu, Kakamega, Kisii, Nyamira, Nakuru, Thika and Machakos.
The opposition is protesting against hight cost of living, corruption and electoral injustices.