Gachagua Backs Use of Firearms by Police to Protect Themselves

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has backed Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome's directive for police officers to make use of firearms when faced with danger.

Gachagua, who spoke during a church at Maralal Cathedral Parish in Samburu on Sunday, stated that police officers should not hesitate to protect themselves whenever threatened by gun-wielding criminals 

"The Interior CS and the police IG have spoken and I would want to reiterate that for police officers to protect you they must first protect themselves. If you have a weapon, threatening the police won't be good," said Gachagua.

"And there is nothing wrong. So if you have a weapon do not try threatening police officers. For police officers to protect you they must protect themselves, so let nobody try them, it will be bad."

During a memorial service of fallen officers at the Administration Police Training College (APTC) on Friday, Koome assured cops of his support if they are arrested for defending themselves with a firearm.

“Officers, we don’t want to hear you’ve been hurt, your hand cut yet you have a gun with you. Count on the IG to stand with you. We have a committed CS. Do not be cowed by the busybodies who keep on calling for the arrest of police officers. Today we are mourning and I don’t see them anywhere,” he said.

“We will not be intimidated or cowed, we are going to discharge our mandate as stipulated in the constitution of this country."