Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga told the police to respect those who will be in the streets exercising their democratic right on Monday 27 during the anti-government protests.
Raila on Sunday 26 said that Monday’s demonstrations will be peaceful and asked police not to use force on demonstrators or disperse them. He said that police should protect Kenyans who will be protesting.
“As a police officer, you are a servant of these Kenyans. That uniform you’re wearing is from their taxes, that firearm you are carrying, that tear gas you are lobbing, that house you live in, your salary, they are all from taxpayers’ money,” Raila said during a church service at the Jesus Teaching Ministry-Nairobi.
“Respect every Kenyan, they are your employers, your bosses. We are following the law, and have already notified the police about tomorrow’s demonstrations per the law,” The Azimio Principal added.
Raila further alleged that the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome, is creating violence by sending police officers to do what he sees as disrupting the demonstrations which are provided for by the law.
Photo: Curtesy
“The constitution clearly states that all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya and that they have the right to picket, petition and protest, provided they are lawful,” said Raila
Odinga also dared the police boss to arrest him, saying “You are threatening to send officers to make arrests. Please, I will be at the forefront, I dare you to come and arrest me yourself,” he said.
Addressing a press conference, the Inspector General of police Japheth Koome warned those planning to cause chaos on Monday saying that security teams are well-prepared for the protest and that they would not be lenient on any person found armed with “offensive weapons” including stones, machetes, and rungus.
“We have visitors from many foreign nations and we will not allow anything to happen in our capital city. Everyone has the right to go into the city centre,” Koome said.
“I have the mandate to ensure that I protect lives and property and I am very good at that. I will not sleep on the job. Whichever level or status you have in society. I have enough Landcruisers to take you away to jail and be there for a lifetime.” He added.
