Police Responded Swiftly To Northlands Raid: IG Koome

Inspector General of Police (IG) Japhet Koome downplayed claims that police were slow in responding to the daring raid at the Northlands City Farm in Ruiru, Kiambu County belonging to the family of former President Uhuru Kenyatta along the Eastern Bypass.

In a statement on Tuesday, March 28, IG Koome noted that the officers had reacted swiftly in response to the invasion.

Koome had first condemned the violent attacks against Police Officers on duty, and the destruction of property resulting from Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Alliance demonstrations in Nairobi.

The police deviated from mentioning the Northlands City and East Africa Spectre Limited gas plant which were invaded on the same day.

"Yesterday, Monday, March 27, 2023, property of unknown value was destroyed in Nairobi, including two police motor vehicles and 23 Officers that were injured.

"We also received reports of the invasion and destruction of a Farm in Kiambu County. Relatedly, we received reports of an invasion of a private company within the Embakasi area in Nairobi to which Our Officers responded swiftly and prevented further crimes," stated Koome in part.

He added that investigations were launched to ascertain those responsible for the destruction and injuries caused during the daring invasions, moreso on private property.

"Our investigation into the destructions and injuries caused has begun, and those found culpable shall face the law. We are appealing to the public to adhere to the rule of law when exercising their Constitutional rights to picket, petition or demonstrate," he went on.

Koome further commended the officers for exercising their mandate during the protests while in adherence to the rule of law.

"Meanwhile, we commend our Officers for discharging their duties with utmost respect for the rule of law as demonstrated by their restrain during the unlawful protests.

"Finally, we wish to assure the public that Our Country is safe. As a Service, we remain focused on discharging our duties including maintenance of law and order, protection of life and property, and fostering good police-community relations, and reiterate that we will continue to do so without fear or favour," he added.

Police officers had earlier arrived at the property raided by hundreds of unknown goons during the Azimio protests and its aftermath saw dozens of sheep stolen, trees cut down and later a portion of the property burn down.

Uhuru Loses Sheep Worth Ksh70 Million

The farm manager had specified that over 1,400 Dorper sheep were stolen and carried away by the intruders on their shoulders, who seized the opportunity to make quick cash by selling them for as little as Ksh1,000 to passersby.

However, the sheep are valued at approximately Ksh50,000 depending on the breed. Dorper rams are considerably more expensive than the ewes.

The Dorper is a hardy South African composite breed, it is a cross between the Black-headed Persian ewes and the Dorset Horn rams. Interestingly, the name comes from the combination of the syllables from the parent breeds- Dorset and Persian.

According to farmers, they require little input and yield high returns. Also, the sheep are hardy and adapt quickly to the environment, and are non-selective grazers as well as ideal for mutton production resulting in high exports due to the low-fat scores.