President William Ruto has asked police to be non-partisan while discharging their duties.

He said they must serve all Kenyans fairly, irrespective of their political or ethnic affiliation.

“We want the police to be professional, independent and accountable while protecting Kenyans,” he said.

The President was addressing Regional Police Commanders at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday.

He said he decided to make the police financially autonomous so that they can perform their work competently.

He added that the government will provide the police with modern equipment to help confront insecurity in the country.

“We will continue taking steps to ensure security agencies have the resources they need to execute their mandate,” said Ruto.

Health insurance

Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, his Defense counterpart Aden Duale and Inspector General of Police Japeth Koome.

The Head of State said there was a need for police officers to be accountable and exercise professionalism while discharging their mandate.

“As a government, we will give you the necessary support and goodwill for you to execute your mandate. But you must exercise professionalism and accountability. Don’t engage in extra-judicial killings,’ said Ruto.

To improve police welfare, Ruto said the government is negotiating for better insurance coverage among other welfare programmes for police.

“We will negotiate for better insurance coverage. Universal health service will bring also police into the fold as part of efforts to improve their living conditions,” he said.