Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome said Tuesday they are investigating claims police targeted journalists during the recent anti-government protests.
He singled out a police officer in civilian who was captured on camera breaking and smashing the Azimio media vehicle during a protest on Thursday last week.
The officer attached to Kamukunji police station is still on duty and was among about 10 officers who were rewarded with Sh10,000 for the well-done job at the Nairobi Area police command.
“Some of us have relatives and close friends who are journalists. I cannot wake up one day with the intention to harm you,” said Koome.
Koome also apologized to journalists who sustained injuries inflicted by police while covering protests saying it wasn’t “intentional but accidental”.
He was reacting to incidents where police targeted journalists and attacked them while covering the demonstrations called by the Azimio La Umoja coalition over among others high cost of living.
Koome said the officer, if found culpable, will face the law just like any other Kenyan involved in criminal activity.
The vehicle targeted by the police officer in Pipeline the Azimio team always plays host to the mainstream media during the demonstration coverage as it gives them to feed and vintage positions for photos.
He promised under his leadership, the media and the police would coexist to promote the common goal of serving Kenyans without any conflict.
Koome was speaking at the Kenya School of Government, where the interviews for the new Deputy Inspector General of police are ongoing.
Police have come under criticism for how they handled the protests.
There were reports the officers who were targeting journalists were on a mission.
A number of human rights organizations have petitioned the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to investigate the police conduct at large.
