Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has expressed strong disapproval of the recent incident in which police in Nairobi forcibly dispersed a peaceful gathering of supporters of Raila Odinga, who were celebrating the former prime minister's 79th birthday.

On Sunday, January 7, Koome issued a strong directive ordering the officers in charge of the unnecessary disruption to face immediate administrative action.

The Inspector General deemed the dispersal to be "unwarranted" and emphasized that the National Police Service will remain politically impartial in protecting people and property.



As part of the disciplinary action, commanders in the city may face transfers, according to a statement from Koome's office.

Koome declared that he would make sure that someone was held accountable, having observed the violent dispersal.

“The Inspector General, IG Japhet Koome has directed for stern administrative action to be taken against the Officers who engaged in the unlawful action,” stated the official communication from his office.



The incident took place as Raila's fans gathered to celebrate his 79th birthday. Leaders of the coalition party Azimio la Umoja One Kenya were coincidentally gathering at the Serena Hotel, approximately two kilometers distant, to commemorate the event.

Raila was in Malindi celebrating with another group of leaders, so he was not present at the meeting at the Serena Hotel.

At a Nairobi press conference, Kalonzo Musyoka, the leader of the Wiper Party, expressed his displeasure with the supporters who had been subjected to tear gas during the birthday celebration.



“Our supporters were tear-gassed for celebrating Baba’s birthday. Why would someone tear-gas a birthday cake? Maybe someone wants to stop the start of a revolution,” said Kalonzo.

Tim Wanyonyi, the MP for Westlands, claimed that police officers were behind the disruption and accused the government of being fearful because of the tensions and financial difficulties that Kenyans were facing as schools resumed.

After the disturbance, the leaders met at the Serena Hotel, where they rescheduled the cake-cutting ceremony. They also demanded accountability and openness from the police regarding managing public gatherings.