Police Inspector General nominee Douglas Kanja has pledged to safeguard government offices especially Parliament during protests if his nomination is approved.
Speaking before the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security on Thursday, August 15, 2024, Kanja highlighted the importance of protecting key institutions like Parliament, stating that he would take all necessary measures to ensure its safety.
“Parliament is one of the key bodies established by the Constitution and if approved, this is an area we can’t allow anyone to joke around.
For me, I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that this Parliament is safe and secure as IG,” Kanja declared.
Reflecting on recent anti-government protests, where the Parliament building was breached and property was looted, Kanja acknowledged the challenges faced by the police.
He mentioned that despite being fully prepared, the large number of protesters and the blocking of major roads made it difficult for the police to access resources like water for water cannons.
He pledged to address various issues impacting police services, such as providing adequate equipment, improving promotion opportunities, and expanding training resources.
“On the part of the police service, we were fully prepared. Despite the fact the multitudes of people who turned up were huge.
Major roads were blocked such that for the water canons to get water was a challenge,” Kanja stated.
“But there are better preparations, and also the issue of motor agency support systems to ensure everyone is coordinating to ensure we are set for that.”
Kanja stressed the need for better preparations and improved coordination among different agencies to handle such situations more effectively in the future.
He also affirmed that, under his leadership, the police service would act within the law, ensuring that everyone’s rights are respected.
Parliament breached
On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, chaos erupted as anti-government protesters breached parliament and caused massive destruction and vandalism within Parliament buildings.
Several protesters were shot in the fierce clash with the anti-riot police. Inside Parliament, chairs in the lounge area were turned upside-down, windows shattered, and walls destroyed.
Parliament suffers Ksh94M in damages
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced that Gen Z protests caused Ksh94 million in damages.
Wetang’ula said the assessment, done by an insurance firm, revealed that television screens, furniture, equipment, and buildings were damaged.Fortunately, taxpayers will not bear the costs as the insurance company will cover the repairs and replacements.
“The damages caused as assessed by our insurer Ksh94 million. That is the damage we suffered. We had an insurance cover, so the company is taking steps. Work has started to restore the damaged buildings, furniture and TVs,” Wetang’ula said on Monday, July 22, 2024.
