Police Address IG Koome-Raila Truce Reports
On Tuesday, August 15th, the National Police Service (NPS) denied the recent claims about discussions for a ceasefire between Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
NPS labeled the claims as inaccurate and deceptive, advising the public to ignore the pieces published by a certain segment of the press.
As per law enforcement, they will share authorized updates using their verified communication platforms, which also encompass their social media accounts.
News about discussions between Koome and Raila surfaced a few days after the two had a public disagreement regarding comments from Koome. Koome had claimed that the opposition had employed individuals to gain sympathy through demonstrations.
Significantly, key individuals from Azimio, such as Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, were among the leaders asserting that preparations were in progress for discussions between the police and the opposition.
Osotsi claimed that Koome intended for Azimio to reverse its decision to file a report against him at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“Koome has approached some Azimio lawmakers, asking them to plead with Baba not to implicate him at the ICC,” Osostsi claimed during a funeral in Luanda on August 12.
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Azimio intends to pursue legal measures against the police chief due to accusations of using excessive force on demonstrators, particularly those hailing from the lakeside area. These allegations stem from the recent protests against the government that took place a month ago.
The opposing side asserted that 70 individuals died in the protests, with a majority of them succumbing to injuries from gunfire and inhalation of tear gas.
To place pressure on the police department, Azimio organized a memorial event for the individual who passed away on Friday, August 11th, within the counties of Siaya and Vihiga. During this event, Azimio called for the resignation or removal of IG Koome.
In the face of criticism, IG Koome remained resolute in his commitment to his position. He also repeated his assertion that the opposition enlisted individuals from the morgue to gain sympathy. Nevertheless, he failed to present any proof to support his allegations.
“It is so unfortunate that some senior members of the society go to the mortuary hiring dead bodies, calling the media and telling them that these people were killed by the police. How low can some of our leaders sink?” he wondered.
President William Ruto, along with his deputy Rigathi Gachagua and other politicians supportive of the government, pledged to ensure Koome’s safety from the opposition.
Police Address IG Koome-Raila Truce Reports
