Kenya’s police chief resigns following criticism over deadly anti-tax protests

BY AGENCIES 

NAIROBI – Kenya's police chief Japhet Koome resigned on Friday following intense criticism of officers' conduct during recent anti-government protests that claimed the lives of over 40 people.

Image: AFP 

The office of President William Ruto announced Koome's resignation the day after Ruto sacked nearly his entire cabinet, bowing to the demands of protesters.

Deputy Inspector-General Douglas Kanja has been appointed acting police chief with immediate effect, the presidency said.

Human rights groups have accused police of their heavy-handed response to the protests – shooting dozens of protestors, some of them fatally, and abducting or arbitrarily arresting hundreds more.

Two weeks ago protesters stormed parliament immediately after legislators passed the controversial finance bill.

President Ruto later withdrew the bill but that failed to quell the protesters, who want him to step down and are planning more protests to demand further reforms.