Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome said Tuesday they are investigating claims police targeted journalists during the recent anti-government protests.
Koome singled out a police officer in civilian attire who was captured on camera breaking and smashing a vehicle reportedly belonging to the media during protests on Thursday last week.
The officer attached to Kamukunji police station is still on duty and was among about 10 officers who were rewarded with Sh10,000 for the well done job at the Nairobi Area police command.
“Some of us have relatives and close friends who are journalists. I cannot wake up one day with the intention to harm you,” Koome said.
Koome spoke at the Kenya School of Government, where the interviews for the new Deputy Inspector General of police are ongoing.
He also apologised to journalists who sustained injuries inflicted by police while covering protests saying it wasn't “intentional but accidental”.
He was reacting to incidents where police attacked journalists while covering the demonstrations called by Azimio la Umoja over, among other issues, the high cost of living.
Koome said the officer, if found culpable, will face the law just like any other Kenyan involved in a criminal activity.
The vehicle was targeted by the police officer in Pipeline.
The IG promised that under his leadership, the media and the police would coexist to promote the common goal of serving Kenyans without any conflict.
Police have come under criticism on how they handled the protests. There were reports the officers who were targeting journalists were on a mission.
A number of human rights organisations have petitioned the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to investigate the police conduct at large.
