Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that he supports Inspector General Japhet Koome’s directive to police officers to use firearms to protect themselves from criminals.
Gachagua stated on Sunday at Maralal Catholic Church in Samburu that police must first protect themselves.
“IG Koome had spoken and I want to reiterate, that in order for our police officers to protect you, they must first protect themselves. If you are armed and you threaten an armed police, there is nothing wrong because they must first protect themselves,” he said.
On Friday, IG Koome urged police officers to use their firearms to defend themselves if they are in danger.
“The other day they said arrest 12 police officers. The office of the IG will stand with you,” he said.
According to Koome, police should use their arms to protect themselves, citizens and property.
“Some officers along Mombasa Road were attacked with arrows. The officers were escorting money when they found a roadblock. The rioters pelted police with arrows yet they had guns. A gun is not a pen to write with,” he said.
Koome slammed those calling for the arrest of police officers, claiming that officers should not be attacked or fail to use their guns.
“We shall not be intimidated. We have a mandate to protect life and property. I repeat, we shall not be cowards,” he said.
