Aaron Cheruiyot Questions Japhet Koome's Silence Amid Violent Protests: "I'm Deeply Troubled"

 

Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot

Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot has questioned Inspector General Japhet Koome's loud silence amid protests. Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot said it was troubling that IG Japhet Koome hadn't spoken about the protests.  During the Senate Plenary session on Wednesday, July 3, the lawmaker cast doubt on Koome's competence, questioning whether he is the right person to lead the service. Cheruiyot drew parallels between Koome and former Commissioner of Police Major-General Mohamed Hussein Ali during the 2007/08 post-election violence.  He pointed out how Hussein kept the nation updated on security matters throughout, adding that he was unsettled by Koome's silence. "In a public forum I was asking where is the IG. That was in relation to the killings in Kerio Valley. Its been two weeks of protests, Kenyans have lost their lives, they've been beaten, there have been challenges, the police have faced also very difficult and hostile gangs on the street, I am yet to hear the voice of the Inspector General. "I am deeply troubled by that, it cannot be right. How can we face such a crisis up to this particular point, I don't know what the IG thinks, I don't know what is the challenge. The question at the back of my mind, is this really the right man for this job," he said. How should protests be conducted? The Senate Majority Leader further stated that it was time for a guide on what constitutes a peaceful protest. He pointed out that on most occasions, protest organisers are overwhelmed by goons who infiltrate the processions and cause mayhem. "We have had debates were the demonstrations peaceful or not. How is it that we continue to struggle as a country with this thing of peaceful demonstration. What is it that we are supposed to do? Can't we guide and provide the way forward so that people can know that if I want to peacefully demonstrate as expected of me, what is it that you are supposed to do," he added. 

by  Didacus Malowa