“I Didn’t Incite the Public Against Police Officers” – IGP Clarifies

IGP Okoth Ochola has come out to state that he was quoted out of context by the media regarding a statement he made on Wednesday asking people to stone police officers who make arbitrary arrests.

Addressing the media at the Police headquarters on Wednesday, the IGP advised the public to ensure that the officers who come to effect arrest must first identify themselves as well as inform them the reason for arrest.

When asked how ordinary citizens should react when the arresting officers are armed, the IGP jokingly advised the public to use stones on them.

“A professional police officer is taught in school how to effect an arrest, first of all you must first identify yourself and secondly inform him that you are arresting him for A, B,C,” he said.

“If the arrest is made in the manner that you, please help us and apprehend them. You arrest for us those people, if they are armed, you can get a stone and stone them,” Ochola said.

This comment attracted criticism among some Members of Parliament who accused Ochola of inciting the public to use violence against police officers. On Thursday, Kilak South MP, Gilbert Olanya asked Parliament to compel the IGP to reverse the orders issued noting that this amounts to inciting violence.

“The statement of the IGP is very serious. It looks as if he is encouraging mob-justice, inciting the public against police officers and this may compromise the security of the country,” Olanya said.

Now, Ochola has come out to clear the air, noting that he did not intend to incite the public.

“I didn’t incite the public against police officers who are on duty. I, as the head of Police have to protect my officers in the course of their lawful duties,” the IGP who is on tour in Greater Bushenyi tweeted on Friday.

“My guidance on arrest is that a police officer effecting arrest should follow the laid down procedures that include introducing themselves by showing their warrant cards,” he clarified.

In addition, he said that arresting officers must explain to the suspects the offence they are alleged to have committed and where they are being taken. They have to remind suspects of their rights, he said.

“I want to rest the matter of alleged stoning of police officers who arrest without following proper procedures. No citizen should take the law into their hands,” he further stated.

Ochola says throwing stones at a police officer is criminal and those found to be engaged in such will be investigated and prosecuted.

He reminded Police officers to adhere to the rules of engagement and members of the public ro lodge complaints to senior police officers in case of abuse.