The National Police Service (NPS) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that Inspector General Douglas Kanja ordered police officers to “shoot to kill” residents who were protesting in Githurai.
In a brief statement issued on Friday morning, the police service described the claims as false and asked Kenyans to be mindful of the information they share on social media.
The claims, which went viral on Thursday night, had the logo of a local media house and claimed that the Inspector General had warned the residents who were blocking the road and burning tires that they would be shot. However, the NPS dismissed the claims, saying the logo did not come from them and that no such order was made.
“The information is fake. The police operations are guided by the Constitution and the rules on the use of force.”
This comes at a time when Githurai residents have been protesting for the last two days, causing traffic on Thika Superhighway.
The protests began after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) demolished the stalls.
The residents claim they were caught off guard by the demolition exercise and claim the goods were still in the stalls when the authorities arrived.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the residents blocked the highway near the Githurai overpass. They lit bonfires and placed stones on the road. The movement of vehicles was completely stopped as the residents demonstrated their anger. Matatus, private cars, and trucks were stuck on the road.
However, the police officers were dispatched to calm the residents and clear the road.
Once the tension has cooled down, the focus has returned to the viral message and spread of information. The police have advised the public to use official channels for their information. They have also advised them not to spread messages that may cause alarm.