Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki has urged police officers to promptly use their weapons to protect themselves and the lives and property of law-abiding citizens against dangerous criminals.

Speaking on Thursday, December 14, 2023, during the National Commemorative Service for the fallen heroes and heroines in the National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), Kindiki took issues the blanket condemnation of police officers over the use of excessive force.

The CS noted that most police officers selflessly put their lives on the line to protect citizens, underscoring the need for empathy and objective review of the work of the NPS.

“The efforts to enhance professionalism in the service are a work in progress,” Kindiki said.

He further urged police officers to promptly use their weapons to protect themselves, property and the lives of law-abiding citizens against dangerous criminals,

“The government of Kenya will stand with such officers to the end,” Kindiki stressed.

However, Kindiki warned that rogue officers who misuse their weapons or abuse their power will bear individual responsibility for their actions.

While referring to the incident in which a police constable from the Nakuru Central police station is said to have shot dead a barmaid and injured three people on Wednesday night, the CS reiterated that NPS and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) will continue speaking the same language during such cases and ensure fairness and expeditious delivery of justice.

The Interior CS additionally announced that the government would establish the Endowment Fund to support the families of security officers who lose their lives in the line of duty.

“I have received the policy guidelines for the operationalization of the Fund, which will be managed by the beneficiaries themselves,” Kindiki said.