Kenya police probes officer seen firing teargas into journalists' car

NAIROBI, Kenya

Kenya’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Japhet Koome, has said the investigations regarding an officer who was captured on camera breaking and smashing the Azimio la Umoja coalition media vehicle during protest on Thursday are underway.

Koome said the officer, if found culpable, will face the law just like any other Kenyan involved in criminal activity.

The vehicle by the opposition coalition team always plays host to the mainstream media during the demonstration coverage.

At the same time, Koome apologized to journalists who sustained injuries inflicted by police while covering protests saying it wasn't intentional but accidental. 

The police chief promised that 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.

Media watchdogs condemned continued attacks on journalists saying it limits their freedom.

After the attack, Azimio leader Raila Odinga posted photos on his social media handles and asked Kenyans to help identify the officer.

Raila condemned the police for using excessive force during their demonstrations. 

He claimed that there was an attempt on his life during mass demonstrations in Embakasi South after his car was allegedly shot seven times. 

"There's no justification for the excessive force used against peaceful unarmed citizens exercising their democratic rights today. The unprovoked attack left my car hit with 7 live bullets, each aimed at me," he said.