A section of human rights activists in Eldoret town has thrown its weight behind recent tough warning that security boses in the county gave to armed criminals.
Led by Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (CHRD) Director Kipkorir Ng’etich, the activists say the police have a duty to protect lives and properties.
According to Ng’etich, warnings issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki and Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome are welcome.
“We commend CS Kindiki and Koome for the warnings and steps they have said they will take to deal with armed criminals that have been putting lives of police officers and that of other Kenyans at risk,” the CHRD Director told Uasin Gishu News on Saturday, December 17, 2022.
During the commemoration of police officers killed in line of duty within the last year, Kindiki and Koome put criminals on notice, warning that they will be dealt with decisively.
Use firearms
Further, the IG told police officers to use firearms allocated to them to not only protect lives and properties, but also protect themselves.
“…officer ako kazi yake anasindikiza pesa amepata barabara imefungwa anaanza kutupiwa mishale akona bunduki, jameni kwani hiyo bunduki ni kalamu uandike nayo,” Koome said.
“We shall not be intimidated. We have the mandate to protect life and property. I repeat, we shall not be cowards,” he added.
It is a statement Kipkorir Ng’etich however says falls within the mandate of uniformed men and women.
“Police and other uniformed officers have powers to deal with criminals as per the law and we ask the Interior CS and Police IG to remain firm so that all criminal elements that have been terrorising Kenyans are dealt with once and for all,” Ng’etich said.
During the commemoration held at National Police College (NPC) in Embakasi, CS Prof. Kindiki revealed that 57 officers attached to the Kenya Police Service and Kenya Prisons Services were killed in line of during for the last 12 months.
