Weeks after being sworn into office, police inspector General Japhet Koome has launched an attack on Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) labelling the body a "busybody".
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority was established through an Act of Parliament published in November 2011 to provide for civilian oversight over the work of the police in Kenya
While addressing a police function on Friday, the IG slammed IPOA asking police officers not to hesitate to use the firearm to protect themselves and the citizens.
"We shall not be intimidated. We have the mandate to protect life and property. I repeat, we shall not be cowards," he said.
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He spoke during a memorial service of police officers who have died in the line of duty in the last year.
During the function, It was revealed that more than 50 police officers had lost their lives in the line of duty in that last year,
He stated that the time has come for police to act swiftly to avoid more killings so as to restore order and adherence to the law.
"The office of the IG will stand with you... kazi ya wnegine nikusema tu shika fulani shika polisi huyu...the other day they said arrest 12 police officers," he said in an apparent swipe at IPOA.
He added:
"We had others in Mombasa Road wanatupiwa mishale, officer ako kazi yake anasindikiza pesa amepata barabara imefungwa anaanza kutupiwa mishale akona bunduki, jameni kwani hiyo bunduki ni kalamu uandike nayo," he posed.
IPOA has been at the forefront of pushing for justice for victims of police brutality.
They have probed several cases where Kenyans seeking justice, after suffering at the hands of police, have reported the matter to them for action.
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