Uhuru warns police against misusing powers in enforcing Covid-19 control orders

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday warned that rogue police officers found abusing their authority during enforcement of government directives amid the coronavirus pandemic will face the full wrath of the law.

President Kenyatta, speaking while addressing the nation at State House in Nairobi, urged police officers to strive to uphold the law and not assist in breaking it.

The Head of State also, however, applauded law enforcement officers who are undertaking their jobs with the dignity and responsibility required of them.

“We salute our hardworking and dedicated law enforcement officers who are keeping Kenyans safe and orderly. However, I must note, that every time a regulation is breached with the assistance of a government officer, it risks the lives of thousands of innocent Kenyans,” he said.

“Any officer who breaches his duty to implement the measures against the pandemic will be met with the harshest of sanctions. You’re meant to serve the people and protect them, not to enable the selfish few to endanger the rest of Kenyans.”

He added: “If you’re in charge of a police station, or a County Commissioner or a Chief not doing your job, you must realize that there will be consequences.”

President Kenyatta also condemned civilians attacking law enforcement officers in the line of duty saying those found culpable will also be dealt with.

He expressed gratitude to health workers “for their dedication and selflessness in responding to the greatest threat to public health in over a century” as well as to the clergy “whose spiritual guidance has never been more valuable.”

President Kenyatta further thanked the media for showing “patriotism and civic responsibility in their coverage”, the country’s innovators, manufacturers, farmers and banks “for their efforts in maintaining our economy amid a global slow down.”