Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has spoken out following Sunday’s protests where hundreds of youth attempted to storm Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi.
The incident left several protesters, including journalists covering the event, injured due to alleged police harassment. Some media personnel were also denied access to the church.
Speaking to the media after inaugurating the Thika Police Community Chapel at Thika West Sub-County Police Headquarters, Kanja condemned the events and called for restraint among officers involved.
Responding to journalists’ inquiries, Kanja reaffirmed that the National Police Service (NPS) does not condone the use of force against the media.
"I am not aware of the Kasarani incident but generally, our position is very clear. The National Police Service works closely with the media—we share the same space and must collaborate," Kanja stated.
"If there are isolated incidents, they do not reflect the position of the NPS. Our goal is to work with everyone because we need each other," he added.
Following the protests that happened on Sunday, a journalist who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke confirmed being assaulted by the police while he was covering the protests.
The journalist, who did not want to be named as he had forgiven the police officer, was hit with a police button on the arms, leaving him with injuries.
Additionally, over 38 youths were arrested shortly after and detained at Kasarani Police Station in Nairobi after they engaged police in running battles near the Roysambu roundabout.
They were later released on Sunday evening after the Law Society of Kenya and other civil groups went to the station to demand their unconditional release.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo faulted the police over the use of excessive force and indiscriminate lobbing of tear gas canisters in residential areas.
''We take note of reports of several persons who have been beaten up and injured by police. We demand that the National Police Service exercise restraint from using excessive force against the people,'' Odhiambo warned.
''We have also seen images of police indiscriminately lobbing teargas canisters in largely residential areas and without provocation. This itself is a breach of the peace and order police are required to maintain.''
The protests paralysed transport momentarily at a section of Thika Road near the TRM mall after the youth barricaded the road using stones and burnt tires.
However, the anti-riot police from the General Police Service together with their counterparts from the regular police repulsed their efforts and pushed them into the adjacent estates. By
