Kenyans Warned Against Provoking Police Officers and Posting Videos Online

Inspector-General of Police Hilary Mutyambai has warned members of the public against provoking police officers.

Mutyambai in his New Year message raised alarm over the rising cases of Kenyans provoking law enforcement officers and posting their reactions on social media.

He warned citizens that such actions could land them in trouble since police officers are mandated to perform their duties firmly.

“We have in the recent past experienced cases of attacks on police officers on duty by members of the public who are either challenging the rule of law or simply expressing self-conceited acts of arrogance,” said Mutyambai.

He added: “Their modus operandi is to upload videos on social media to ridicule the NPS and subject innocent officers to the unforgiving court of public opinion.” 

The police head’s remarks come a week after traffic police officers were filmed beating up a motorist and journalist along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

Mutyambai defended the officers after a video of the incident went viral online, sparking outrage from social media users.

Contrary to reports that the officers hit the motorist’s vehicle, the Inspector-General said the driver was caught overlapping.

“Members of the public who witnessed the incident volunteered to record statements. The video circulating has not shown the full incident as it occurred. The IG has warned members of the public against assaulting police officers in uniform and on duty,” Mutyambai said through Twitter.