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 had decided to make the police financially autonomous so that they can conduct their duties 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 Dr. Ruto.
Present were Depuy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki, his Defense counterpart Aden Duale and Inspector of Police Japeth Koome.
The Head of State said there was the need for police officers to be accountable and exercise professionalism while discharging their duties.
“As Government, we will give you the necessary support and goodwill for you to execute your mandate. But it would help if you exercised professionalism and accountability. Don’t engage in extra-judicial killings,’ said Dr. Ruto.
To improve police welfare, President Ruto said the Government is negotiating for a better insurance cover among other welfare programs for police.
” We will negotiate for a better insurance cover. Universal health service will bring also police into the fold as part of efforts to improve their living conditions,” said Dr Ruto.
He added:”We made a commitment during campaigns to you as disciplined service that we will look at your terms and conditions of service. That’s a promise we intend to keep,” said Dr Ruto.
Mr Gachagua said 99 percent of police officers are decent people, saying there was need to correct the behaviour of the remaining percentage.
Mr Kindiki said police have instructions to deal ruthlessly with criminal elements undermining peace efforts in any part of the country.
Mr Koome assured Kenyans on security during this December Holiday, saying all police officers will be on duty especially now that Form four’s and Standard eight candidates will be sitting for their national examinations.