The National Police Service has appealed for peace and respect between the public and police officers after a viral clip showed a Dutch national attacking police officers at Diani Police Station in Kwale County.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Police Spokesman Muchiri Nyaga urged Kenyans to cooperate with the police and channel any complaints through official channels instead of embracing violence.
“We urge members of the public to cooperate with police officers and channel any grievances or complaints through the official channels, and not seeking to engage in abusive or violent behavior,” Nyaga said.
He stated that respect from the public towards police officers is important in order to maintain peace and order.
The statement came after a video clip had been shared on social media on Tuesday, October 28, showing a visibly agitated Dutch man spitting on and shouting at two police officers at the Diani Police Station.
The officers, however, were not offensive.
Nyaga confirmed that the man had insulted the officers when they were conducting their lawful duties, terming the act as unacceptable and disrespectful.
“Any type of attack verbal or physical on a police officer undermines the rule of law and the dignity of the National Police Service,” he said, adding the suspect will face charges in court.
The spokesperson went on to commend the two officers for their restraint, their professionalism being a measure of the achievements made through ongoing police reforms.
“The restraint shown by the officers in the face of provocation is a reflection of the good that we are seeing through police reforms, especially the maintenance of professionalism and respect for human rights,” Nyaga added.
The attack has caused a tempest of anger on social media, with the majority of Kenyans calling on the Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure that the foreign national is awarded justice.
