Kindiki: 385 officers were injured, 54 police vehicles were destroyed during demos

June and July saw several counties across Kenya participate in anti-government protests.

Interior CS nominee Kithure Kindiki said on Thursday that the police were also victims of the protests, which were rocked by gunshots, deaths, injuries, and the destruction of properties.

During his vetting at Charter Hall, Kindiki disclosed that the protests destroyed at least 164 police and civilian vehicles.

Out of these, 54 were police vehicles, while 110 belonged to civilians.

The former Senator, when appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments, further highlighted that amidst the fracas, 385 police officers sustained injuries as compared to 486 civilians.

Kindiki regrettably reported that 1,387 arrests and at least 42 Kenyan deaths occurred during the demonstrations.

"We witnessed the deaths of 42 Kenyans; we also had 486 civilians and 385 police officers injured. 1387 arrests, 54 police cars destroyed, and 110 motor vehicles belonging to the people of Kenya destroyed," he said.

When asked why he was silent during the demos, Kindiki said that he could not address the matter since it was an operational issue.

The nominee told the MPs that in his capacity as the Interior CS, the police, which is independent, does not take directions from him on operational matters.

"The police are under independent command. There are only two people who can give the Inspector General of Police directions. The CS Interior on policy issues and the Director of Public Prosecution on matters of investigation Other than that, all operational matters are handled by the National Police Service," Kindiki told the MPs.

He also stated that Article 245 of the Constitution, which outlines his duties as the CS for Interior, limits his authority to provide policy direction to national security organs.

On August 1, 2024, Interior Cabinet Secretary nominee Kithure Kindiki will appear before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments for Vetting.