Haji directs Koome to probe planners, looters during Azimio demos

The Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji speaking to the press during the launch of the 2022 ODPP electoral Justice Report on 21st December 2022. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji has directed the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to investigate the perpetrators and the people behind the looting and destruction of property that was witnessed during the Azimio protests on Monday.

In a letter to the Koome, Haji said that even though some of the people have been arrested, police should move with speed and arrest the masterminds of the chaos.

"We have noted that the persons culpable for planning, inciting, instigating, and/or financing the commission of the aforementioned offences have not been investigated," reads the letter in part.

"You are hereby directed to undertake comprehensive investigations into the aforementioned offences and ALL persons responsible for planning, inciting, instigating, and/or financing the commission of any offence and submit the investigation file within fourteen (14) days of the date hereof."

Haji reassured Kenyans that his office was committed to upholding the rule of law adding that all suspects will face legal consequences.

The letter to Koome comes after the IG said that police had begun investigations into the invasion of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's Northlands Farm in Ruiru as well the stoning of Raila Odinga's Spectre company along Mombasa Road.

"We are appealing to the public to adhere to the rule of law when exercising their constitutional rights to picket, petition or demonstrate," said Koome.