The National Police Service now says one police officer lost his life on Thursday, March 30, during the ongoing mass protests led by ODM leader Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Friday, March 31, Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome further said that 20 more police officers were seriously injured.
“As a result of yesterday’s demonstrations, one police officer in Kisumu succumbed to injuries sustained while on duty, 20 officers were seriously injured as they repulsed violent demonstrators,
“Property whose value is yet to be determined was destroyed as hooligans masquerading as protestors invaded the private property,” Koome said.
While terming the ongoing anti-government protests as ‘illegal’ Koome condemned the attack on the security personnel.
He stated that investigations into the same have been launched and that those who will be found culpable will face the full force of the law.
“Investigations into incidents of a robbery that have been reported are underway and those culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Raila who is protesting the high cost of living earlier announced that his bi-weekly mass protests will be peaceful.
However, Police officers and Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party protestors have been engaging in running battles since last week when the protests officially kicked off.
For instance in Nairobi, Raila Odinga’s car was sprayed with tear gas, and several bullets were sprayed on his vehicle in what was suspected to be an assassination attempt.
Further, a journalist covering the protests was seriously injured after he was hit with a tear gas canister in the face.
In Kisumu, protestors left residents in shock after they stormed and vandalized the newly launched KSh 37 million Kwee Farewell Home at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).
