Police, IPOA issue stern warning to civilians who attack police officers
Various agencies have come out to strongly condemn attacks by civilians on police officers following the latest incident in which a tuk tuk driver was captured on camera assaulting officers with stones.
In another incident, an armed policeman was filmed tussling with a civilian who even tried to take away his AK47 rifle.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), The Kenya Police Service and the Motorists Association of Kenya on Monday called for action to be taken against the culprits.
Speaking to Nairobi News, the three bodies said that it was unfortunate that police officers are now the falling victim to law breakers.
ATTACK ON POLICE
Inspector General Joseph Boinet said that that action will be taken against all the civilians who had been filmed attacking police officers.
He said it was worse for a civilian to attack a police than vice versa, saying that it attracted very serious sanctions.
“The law is very clear and it does not allow such a behavior, it is a grave mistake to raise your hand against a police officer,” he said.
Mr Boinet said that investigations had kicked off and that the culprits will be arraigned in court as soon as they are arrested.
STONE DRAMA
According to Mr Boinet, action will also be taken against the officers who were filmed hurling stones at a tuk tuk driver.
IPOA, on its part, condemned the attacks, saying that they interrupt the dispensation of security.
In a statement sent to media houses, Mr Denis Oketch said that it was unacceptable for anyone to take the law into their own hands.
“With a serving Police Service and a robust Judiciary in place, it is unacceptable for anyone to take the law into their own hands. This is likely to foster anarchy and break established order in society,” he said.
MOTORIST BEHAVIOUR
He further said citizens attacking officers jeorpadise the purpose of police reforms.
The same sentiments were shared by the Kenya Motorist Authority which said that they will not condone such behaviors from motorists.
“It is very unfortunate that this is happening and if anyone is arrested they will face the law alone because we as an umbrella body cannot support those who break the law,” said Mr Karori Wambugu.
The incidents come just days after Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said that the police suffer many hardships in the course of performing their duties.