US Hits Out On IG Koome's Move To Ban Azimio Protests
Property of an unknown value was destroyed during the demos which descended into chaos as police tried to stop the opposing coalition in parts of the country
Marvin Chege 
The United States on Monday, March 27 condemned Kenya's Inspector-General of Police (IG) Japhet Koome's move to previously declare the Azimio la Umoja demonstrations set for that day, illegal.
Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Vedant Patel while addressing the media stated that Kenya has the right to freedom of expression and association, which are core tenets of democracy.
Patel was responding to queries by a reporter who sought to know the position of the US government on move by police to ban protests in Kenya.
Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Vedant Patel during a media address. /FILE
“The rights to freedom of expression and association, and the right of peaceful assembly, are core tenets of democracy," he said.
“Countries that protect these fundamental freedoms and support an open, inclusive and empowered civil society are more stable and prosperous. Kenya benefits from having an active and vibrant civil society."
Patel further expressed the US's regret regarding the loss of life in the recent protests in Kenya. During the March 27 demos, one person was shot dead in Kisumu, and two were injured in Migori.
"I don’t initially, Shaun, but I’m happy to check if we have any updates on the ground and we can follow up with you," Patel replied to the journalist.
Property of an unknown value was destroyed during the demos which descended into chaos as police tried to stop the opposing coalition in parts of the country, and in particular, in Nairobi, from marching to the Central Business District (CBD).
However, the second week of the demonstrations took a daring turn after invasions occurred on both Northlands City Project - owned by the Kenyatta family and the East Africa Spectre, owned by Azimio leader, Raila Odinga.
"IG Koome the ‘tough-talking ‘ police chief who deploys police to block and tear gas lawful demonstrations but sits idle while hired goons invade and destroy the private property of a retired president and commander in chief," NARC-Kenya party leader, Martha Karua, posed to the IG.
The chaos also saw residents of Kibra counting their losses following a night of arson attacks by criminals who targeted a Presbyterian Church and a number of stalls behind a mosque in the Olympics area.
The attack on the stalls consumed everything and nearly burnt the adjacent Aqsa Mosque along Karanja Road. However, the attack on the church left a trail of destruction leaving property of unknown value destroyed.
"We must protect our Country from sliding into irretrievable anarchy," Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki stated in a late-night post.
A screenshot of a video showing Northlands farm on fire on March 27, 2023. /TWITTER
