Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah has defended the police at the National Assembly hours after an officer shot a mask vendor at point-blank range at Imenti House in Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon.
Ichung'wah, while addressing the House, said Kenyans must treat police officers with "respect, with honour, and with the dignity that they deserve".
While referencing the case in Nakuru where a man was recorded brandishing a machete at an armed police officer, Ichung'wah commended the cop for not retaliating with violence despite his life being threatened.
"I saw somebody, Honourable Speaker, the other day in Nakuru brandishing a machete and an unarmed police officer, and I must take this opportunity, Honourable Speaker, to commend that officer in Nakuru who was being taunted with a panga. His life would have been at risk for the lives of other Kenyans, but he maintained his cool," Ichung'wah told the House.
Adding, "That is the kind of spirit we want to see, Honourable Speaker, but we must also speak to our people. We must also speak to the public that let us also treat our policemen and women with respect, with honour, and with the dignity that they deserve."
The vocal legislator was not alone. Dido Ali Raso, Member of Parliament for Saku Constituency in Marsabit, also asked Kenyans to respect all the law enforcers in the country.
Raso said that the incidents that have been happening in recent days between citizens and police officers are because Kenyans have politicised the work of police officers.
He, however, called on the National Police Service to take full charge of disciplining its rank and file.
“The relationship between Kenyans and the National Police Service must be restored. Kenyans must respect those who enforce the law and those who protect them."
“The National Police Service must take full control of the discipline of its rank and file,” Raso added.
He praised police for showing transparency and accountability in their work, noting that they sacrifice their lives so that Kenyans can feel safe.
“At this point, when we are facing difficulties in the country, we should not look away from the work of the National Service Commission, which is cut out, particularly in the areas of accountability and transparency. Of us being able to address ourselves to citizens of our country,” he added.
His sentiments came a few hours after the police officer shot a business vendor at the CBD on June 17, during the protest.
The vendor who was selling masks in the streets during the demonstration was slapped and was shot after.
In the image seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the vendor was seen on the ground bleeding from his upper body, with his hands still clasping a packet of masks he was said to have been selling.
He was rushed quickly from the ground and was rushed to Bliss Medical Centre for immediate medical treatment.
