Police Deny Using Live Bullets on NASA Supporters
The National Police Service has denied claims that police officers used live bullets to repulse opposition supporters who turned up in masses to escort their leader Raila Odinga from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the City Centre as he returned to the country from United States.
In a statement on Friday on behalf of Inspector General of Police, Police spokesman George Kinoti said that police only used teargas and water cannons to disperse the protesting Nasa supporters.
"The National Police Service wishes to inform that in today's operations to respond to the unauthorised processions organised by NASA coalition,no live fire was used; only tear gas and water cannons were deployed for crowd control," ,the statement reads.
Kinoti further confirmed that five individuals died during today's incidents, noting that they were roughed up by mob after they were found looting property.
"We are however aware that sections of the mobs accompanying the NASA convoy, looted property and five (5) persons were killed by stoning in different incidences after having been caught stealing by enraged crowds.Two were stoned along Landies Road,two next to country bus station and one along Racecourse Road. Sadly, these incidences occurred before the Police arrived at the various scenes. All these incidences are under investigation."
He also refuted allegations that security officers fired at opposition leaders' entourage and maintained that no live bullets were fired during the operation.
"We wish to refute claims that a vehicle in the convoy was shot at by an officer and reiterate our position that no live ammunition was used today by any officer."
He called all persons whose property was looted during the incidents to file a report at the nearest police station.
"We are aware that several innocent Kenyans had their property looted, vandalised or vehicles stoned by the mobs that accompanied the NASA leaders,or while headed to join the convoys, especially along Mombasa road, Outer Ring Road,Airport North Road, Jogoo Road and Haille Sellasie Road. In this regard therefore, we call upon anyone who may have been assaulted or lost property in any way to report to the nearest Police Station for further action."