DPP Haji orders IG Koome to probe planners, financiers of Azimio protest violence

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Nordin Haji has directed Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to probe the causes of violent incidences witnessed during the opposition’s anti-government protests on Monday.

In a letter to the IG on Tuesday, DPP Haji cited such incidences as killings, arson, acts of violence and vandalism, saying they were against the stipulation of the law hence the perpetrators must be brought to book.

He thus called for a thorough investigation into the cases to root out the planners, inciters and financiers of the said offences, and a report submitted to his office within 14 days.

"Whereas some suspects have been arrested and charged in court for various offences, we have noted that the persons culpable for planning, inciting, instigating, and/or financing the commission of the aforementioned offences have not been investigated," Haji stated.

"Consequently, pursuant to Article 157 (4) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, you are hereby directed to undertake comprehensive investigations into the aforementioned offences and ALL persons responsible for planning, inciting, instigating, and/or financing the commission of any offence and submit the investigation file within fourteen (14) days of the date hereof."

Haji consequently reassured the public of the agency's commitment to upholding the rule of law reiterating that all suspects would face legal consequences.

"The ODPP reaffirms its commitment to uphold the rule of law and respect for
human rights in the discharge of its mandate, and any person found culpable
for the commission of any offence shall be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," read the statement.

The remarks by the DPP come hours after IG Koome said the police had already commenced investigations into Monday's violence.