Police Inspector-General Japhet Koome has directed strict administrative action against police officers who teargassed a group of Kenyans celebrating Raila Odinga’s birthday in Nairobi on Sunday.
A small crowd had congregated at the Tom Mboya statue next to the National Archives building with a birthday cake, singing birthday songs for the Azimio leader as he turned 79.
The Inspector-General (IG) characterized the actions of the police officers as “unwarranted violent dispersion,” emphasizing that such behavior is illegal and must be punished.
“The National Police Service (NPS) takes cognizance of the unwarranted violent dispersion of members of public who were holding a peaceful celebration in Nairobi today 7/1/2024. The Inspector General, IG Japhet Koome has directed for stern administrative action to be taken against the Officers who engaged in the unlawful action,” NPS said in a statement.
IG Koome reaffirmed the National Police Service’s commitment to operating within the laws governing its operations and serving all Kenyans equally.
“The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to remaining politically neutral in the execution of its mandate of protecting life and property,” he added.
Meanwhile, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka condemned the actions of the police officers as a “shameful act” motivated by the fear of the Kenya Kwanza regime. He intimated that President William Ruto is living in fear of a potential revolution.
“We want to condemn the government for teargassing Mama Mbogas who had gathered in Nairobi to celebrate Baba’s birthday. It’s a shameful act on part of the police and those in authority. Why would you teargas a cake? This intolerance must stop. Maybe somebody fears a revolution,” Kalonzo said.
“Why do the police and those in authority fear Baba so much that they had to teargas his cake-cutting ceremony? Kenyans are suffering. MPs don’t have CDF money yet schools are opening,” he added.
