The government now says one police officer lost his life while 305 were injured during the anti-government protests led by the opposition in different parts of the country.
Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Raymond Omollo, in a statement on Tuesday, added that the National Police Service (NPS) lost 158 vehicles and 9 police stations, which were either severely damaged or razed to the ground by criminal entities masquerading as protestors during the demos.
“Having taken stock of the aftermath of the riots, we confirm that the country is counting regrettable but avoidable losses. The new trend of negatively profiling, harassing, and attacking security personnel saw a total of 305 law enforcement officers seriously injured and 1 fatality,” he said in a statement seen by Newsday.
He added that 158 cases of assault and violent robberies were recorded during the demos while more than 850 shops and 199 shops were either vandalised, looted or destroyed during the protests.
“A total of 156 cases of assault and violent robberies were also reported while several non-protesting motorists and pedestrians were attacked and robbed of their belongings by the rioters who blocked 69 roads during the demonstrations,” he said.
Omollo added that intelligence reports have also confirmed that some of the protestors were brandishing firearms during the demos.
“Detectives are also actively investigating reports about civilians carrying firearms and their contribution to the injuries and fatalities recorded during the riots,” he said.
“The massive losses mark an irreplaceable toll that underscores the urgency of taking more decisive actions to avert a repeat of the same anywhere in the Republic of Kenya.”
While noting that the state’s priority is to restore peace in all parts of the country, Omollo noted that the riots not only endangered lives and property, but also posed a significant challenge to the fundamental principles of democracy and social cohesion on which Kenya is built.
“Our prime focus is now on restoring peace and stability through collective efforts, and we call upon all law-abiding citizens to uphold the rule of law and air their grievances through legal means,” he said.
