Nairobi police boss denies officers colluded with goons, insists only rubber bullets used in protests

During the demonstration calling for the resignation of Deputy Police Inspector General Eliud Lagat,  an armed gang took the frontline position in confronting the peaceful protesters while under the watch of police officers.

This hinted at a collaboration between the officers and the goons as an attempt to keep protests at bay. 

In a press briefing on Wednesday evening, the Nairobi police boss pinpointed that it was difficult to differentiate between the goons and the protesters.

He pointed out that officers took a cautious approach in their strategy, as arresting individuals without clearly determining whether they were goons could have escalated the situation.

"The goons and the police had no relations. The role the officers played even during that time, there is a team we have sent to ensure we determine what it is that made them be together," he stated.

"Goons were not in our briefing, and it was also difficult to differentiate between the goons and protesters. Normally, we have diversionary issues in terms of how people work. We have been seeing goons attacking us with stones, they might have changed to using the fimbos in their attack."

Seda noted that a police team had been assembled to probe the matter and identify the goons and determine who hired them.

When asked whether the goons had been hired by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to restore order in the county, the police chief explained that questioning the governor directly would be futile, as he would deny the allegations.

Instead, he noted that by arresting and interrogating a few suspects, they would uncover the truth. 

Further, Seda dismissed reports that police officers use live ammunition during protests, claiming that it is not part of the anti-riot gear.

He explained that officers often carry rubber bullets that ought not to be used at close range, as was the case with Kayole-based officer Klinzy Barasa, who shot mask vendor Boniface Kariuki. 

"Before we leave for such operations, we have a briefing which is contained in our operation order. In that order, we have the tool for work, which is the riot gear. The highest calibre of ammunition is a rubber bullet. You saw yesterday, they cause damage when shot at close range," he added. 

He also admonished officers who don face masks during the protests, citing that it is not part of the anti-riot gear. 

"Face masks are not part of the gear for riots. That one falls against the breach of the principles of operations. We have respirators during protests to protect against the tear gas. We shall emphasise the need to put on the gear as per the operation," he noted. 

His statement comes amid a public uproar by Kenyans who continue to call for swift action against unlawful police conduct.