ODM demands firing of Police IG Koome, Nairobi police boss Bungei

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna (center) flanked by deputy Party leaders Wycliffe Oparanya (R) and Hassan Joho (L) at the Party's headquarters in Nairobi. [ODM Communications]

Calls for the resignation of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome and Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei are intensifying.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has joined other political actors and human rights organisations in urging President William Ruto to dismiss Koome and Bungei over alleged cases of police brutality, abductions, and killings of protesters.

"Ruto must immediately fire the IG of Police, the Nairobi Police Commander, and apprehend all police officers implicated in the murders of over 200 innocent Kenyans in peaceful protests since last year," ODM said in an official statement on Friday, July 12.

The Raila Odinga-led party also demands amnesty for all individuals arrested during the recent anti-tax and anti-government protests. Additionally, they call for compensation for all victims of police brutality.

Commenting on the bodies retrieved from the Kware dumpsite near Mukuru Kwa Njenga slums on Friday, the party's Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said a thorough investigation must be conducted into the alleged killings, terming the incident unacceptable.

"We have today called for the sacking of the IG of Police and the Nairobi Police Commander because they will impede the truth from coming out. This is unacceptable," he said in a post on X.

Cabinet Fired

Regarding President Ruto's decision to fire his ministers, ODM officials stated it was a good start but that more needs to be done.

"The feeling across the country is that there still exists an atmosphere of fear that makes it impossible for people to speak freely," they said.

This comes after President Ruto fired his entire Cabinet yesterday, except for Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Ruto said the decision was necessitated by recent events in Kenya, including protests against the unpopular Finance Bill 2024 and poor governance.