Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition has announced plans to hold a prayer gathering today.
This move comes amidst allegations made by Inspector General Japhet Koome.
IGKoome alleged that Azimio liaised with morticians to hire dead bodies in a bid to tarnish the good name of the Kenyan police.
Azimio Coalition leader Raila Odinga in Bondo for prayers regarding those who lost lives in the anti-government protests. Photo| Courtesy
The coalition’s decision to hold the prayer event stems from Inspector General Koome’s assertion that Azimio paid morticians to falsify the casualty count.
However, Azimio remains resolute in its pursuit of justice. The coalition’s leaders openly expressed their intention to legally address these allegations. Additionally, they also seek to prosecute those responsible for the deaths and injuries that occurred during the anti-government demonstrations.
The invite to the prayer gathering, emphasizes Azimio’s commitment to pursuing legal avenues to hold Inspector General Koome and involved police officers accountable. The event is scheduled to take place at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Park in Bondo.
Furthermore, Kenya’s opposition parties have escalated the situation further by seeking the intervention of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The opposition seeks local and international investigations into the allegations of police brutality and the alleged manipulation of casualty figures.
“Senior members of the society are going to mortuaries and hiring bodies and calling the media to tell them that the people were killed by police officers.”
Japhet Koome, Inspector General
Prominent political figures have not held back in condemning Inspector General Koome’s allegations. Opposition leader Raila Odinga strongly condemned Koome’s statement,
“I don’t know which world he lives in. The bodies we buried had bullet wounds and death certificates confirming the cause of death.”
Raila Odinga, Opposition Leader
IG Koome’s remarks have also been met with criticism from the Association of Morticians, families directly affected by police brutality, and other politicians.
Opiyo Wandayi pointed out that the Inspector General’s remark was out of line with Chapter Six of the constitution,
“Chapter Six of the Constitution requires state officers to be guided in their day-to-day conduct by principles of leadership and integrity. They should remain objective and impartial in ensuring that decisions are not influenced by nepotism, favoritism and other improper motives.”
Opiyo Wandayi, Minority Leader
Despite the saga, Inspector General Koome is yet to provide an official statement addressing the allegations. He is also yet to clarify the events that led to the loss of innocent lives during the anti-government protests.
The lack of clarity and the seriousness of the allegations have triggered demands from various quarters. Political leaders as well as netizens are urging IG Koome to either retract his statement or produce evidence to support his claims.
The official figures regarding the casualties during the protests were initially released by Amnesty International Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
The LSK has further taken a proactive stance by submitting a petition aimed at ensuring accountability for the police officers involved in the reported incidents of violence.
The prayer event organized by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition stands as a testament to the ongoing pursuit of justice and accountability.
Thus, at the moment, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Inspector General Koome. The IG is currently facing mounting calls to either provide clarity or face legal repercussions for his statements.
