Muslims for Human Rights (MUHURI) has responded to Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome over his ban of Azimio’s protest.
According to a letter to the newsroom by Khelef Khalifa who is a board member to MUHURI, it is ridiculous, and a mockery to the people of Kenya and the country’s supreme law for Mr. Japhet Koome, the Inspector General of the National Police, to address the media and arrogantly say he has banned the demonstrations organized by the Azimio coalition.
“Who are you to abolish the rights of Kenyans? A quick reminder to IG Koome to read the Constitution of Kenya (2010), articles 37 and 244, which expressly list out the place of demonstrations and the roles of the police, respectively.
Mr Khelef cited article 37 of the COK, in particular, clearly say that, and he quote:
“Assembly, demonstration, picketing and petition Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities.”
Khelef questioned the person who gave IG koome the absolute power to take away the rights of Kenyans.
“Who, then, one wonders, gave Mr. Koome the right to usurp the rights of Kenyans as stated in the Constitution and execute them as he wills, as he purports to? We live in a country governed by the rule of law, and every Kenyan should follow the law to the latter.” He enquired.
Khelef note that the same Koome, at a press briefing on Sunday, March 26, said arrogantly that he had recalled the police officers guarding the Azimio leaders.
“Mr. Koome should know that it is the right of every Kenyan to get security and protection from the police. It is not a favor but a RIGHT!”
MUHURI was keen to note that they are seriously disturbed by the character of the inspector general, who has taken sides in a matter of national and public interest, and a matter as critical as security.
“Mr. Koome is clearly a captain in the ranks of the Kenya Kwanza political divide. This regime has repeatedly said that Kenya is a company, and they (of the Kenya Kwanza faction) are the shareholders.” The statement read.
MUHURI noted that Mr. Koome needs to know that the National Police Service is an independent constitutional body mandated by the people of Kenya through the Constitution to protect and provide security and serve all Kenyans equally.
“Therefore, his tough talk on Sunday, which can easily pass as hot air, is a red flag in his character as the lG of the police. But again, it is no coincidence that Koome is hellbent on spreading unprofessionalism in the national police.”
MUHURI further pointed out that Koome’s history in the National Police is dark and raises serious questions.
“In 2017, as the Nairobi Police Commander, he oversaw the police killing of 23 Kenyans. He got away with the murders, was rewarded by the Kenya Kwanza government, and seems emboldened and ready to kill more Kenyans.”
Last week on Monday, MUHURI noted, the police killed a young university student in Maseno. On Sunday, Koome, instead of condemning the act, defended the police officer who allegedly committed the murder.
“But we won’t sit down and watch this behavior go on unchecked. We will sue Mr. Koome for gross abuse of the Constitution and for overseeing the murder of innocent Kenyans.”
MUHURI further told Koome that the law will catch up with him, and you will be held accountable.
MUHURI also sent a word of caution to all police officers saying:
“Any police officer who misuses or abuses their power and noble role of protecting life and property will be held responsible individually. You may run, but you can’t hide. The law will also catch up with you and deal with you.”
“We also ask IPOA to respond to IG Koome’s irresponsible utterances. We have the rule of law to uphold and life to protect. We request all Kenyans to maintain peace, and if they demonstrate, let them be peaceful.”
