The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has called on President William Ruto to dismiss Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and the Nairobi Region Police Commander. This demand, announced on Friday, follows allegations of police involvement in harming protestors.
Speaking to the press, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna urged the President to take decisive action against police officers accused of using excessive force during recent protests. “Ruto must immediately fire the IG of Police, the Nairobi Police commander, and apprehend all police officers implicated in the murders of over 200 innocent Kenyans in peaceful protests since last year,” stated Sifuna.
ODM also called for the government to compensate victims of the protests, including those who were killed or injured. Despite commending the recent dismissal of nearly all cabinet secretaries, ODM emphasized that an atmosphere of fear persists across the country.
“We call for a national amnesty for all persons arrested or charged in connection with protests and compensation for all victims of police brutality,” ODM stated.
In addition to these demands, Sifuna expressed ODM’s willingness to support President Ruto’s administration in implementing measures to restore peace and stability. He highlighted the need to address issues such as unemployment, justice and equality, corruption, and negative ethnicity.
“This conversation, in our view, must come ahead of other conversations on the structure of our national governance going forward,” Sifuna remarked. “As a party, ODM has never shied away from stepping up and having difficult conversations whenever the destiny of our nation is at stake.”
Sifuna concluded by emphasizing that addressing these emerging issues is about the nation’s welfare, which he asserted is bigger than and distinct from any individual or regime.
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