The leaders of the Umoja One Kenya coalition party have issued a warning about the possibility of presenting a censure motion against Inspector General Japhet Koome. This follows the recent incidents where police officers caused the deaths of demonstrators.
During a requiem mass in Siaya County, held in memory of the 12 victims of the police shootings, the leaders accused Japhet Koome of acting recklessly and being insensitive. They referenced his claim that Azimio had employed individuals from morgues, which they found inappropriate.
The opposition leaders also appealed to the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the human rights violations occurring within the country.
Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio, led the interdenominational requiem mass and criticized the government for its actions that undermine the constitution. He stated, “We have a Constitution that protects the rights but those in power do not respect the Constitution.”
Martha Karua, leader of Narc Kenya, added, “These killings will be avenged…the blood of these people here will not go like that.”
The leaders made it clear that they would not address the issue of police brutality through peaceful dialogue; instead, they would escalate the matter.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka emphasized, “The matter of police brutality we cannot have it in Bomas talks…this is a serious matter.”
Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Governor, asserted, “Our people have bared the pain of a rogue police…our mothers have buried their sons against their will, this they must get justice.”
Eugene Wamalwa, former Defense CS, stated, ”From here we are moving to have a censure motion that IG Koome is not fit to hold public office.”
Peter Kaluma, Homa Bay Town MP, resolved, “As leaders, we cannot cry when our people are dying, let us go and table a motion of no confidence against Koome.”
Siaya Governor James Orengo added, “We have visited all police stations here in Siaya, there is no single police officer who has reported a death.”
Odinga assured mourners that their grievances would not be ignored: “We want the ICC to take note…ICC must now see the abuse of human rights happening in our country.”
He also stated that the coalition would change their approach, encouraging supporters to stay indoors rather than taking to the streets in protest. He declared, “Next time we will not tell our people to come to the streets, we shall tell people to stay at home and we shall have people stopped from coming out of their homes.”
