The Inspector-General of Police Japheth Koome has said that the National Police Service (NPS) will not be intimidated by threats in response to news of a letter to the International Criminal Court (ICC) from the opposition’s Azimio coalition.
Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition, has formally requested the intervention of the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the alleged “killing and maiming” of his supporters by police during anti-government protests that began on March 20, signaling a long-drawn confrontation with President William Ruto’s administration.
Azimio has released information on nine people it believes were killed by police, including a police officer who was run over by a police vehicle during the now-suspended mass protest.
It also listed opposition supporters and journalists who were allegedly injured by police during the protests.
Speaking to the media on Sunday at his private residence, IG Koome asserted that he will not cower from administering his duty to Kenyans and he will not be intimidated by the letter.
“I thank you for the letter. I will not be intimidated by the letter, I want to tell my officers not to be intimidated by the letter. We vowed to serve our country and we don’t have another country,” he said.
The police chief went on to say that the letter is nothing more than “propaganda” pushed by a politician with personal interests.
He also claimed that the letter is tribally motivated, citing the case of former Public Service Director Francis Muthaura, who was charged with inciting violence after the 2007 election and was taken to the ICC.
“That letter is being incited by a certain politician. It started with Muthaura, he was taken there and now it is me. Why are they targeting Meru people? Let us stop this tribal matters,” said Koome.
On Saturday, DP Gachagua came out in support of IG Koome, assuring him of the government’s protection and claiming that Azimio is only out to intimidate him.
“They’re trying to intimidate the police Inspector General Japhet Koome. I want to assure the IG to continue doing his work,” he said.
IG Koome further warned that should Azimio’s Sunday meeting turn chaotic, the NPS will respond accordingly.
“Azimio has said they will go to Kamukunji grounds. They followed due process by writing to the Shauri Moyo OCS and we okayed it [the meeting] because, unlike before, they followed the law. If Azimio attempts to destroy property or life in today’s event, I shall respond using the resources bought by taxpayers’ money.”
He noted that they cannot allow Kenya to experience the violence taking place in Sudan.
“You know what is happening in Khartoum. As the IG I will not allow the same to happen here,” he said.
