• This follows a public outcry over police brutality with IG of Police Hillary Mutayambai urged to rein in his officers and ensure they do not violate basic human rights.
• Uhuru spoke during a live video chat with Kenya's two coronavirus attack survivors - Brenda and Brian - at Afya House.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has apologised for the excessive force used by police officers at the start of the nationwide curfew last week.
The brutality aroused public outcry with Kenyans calling on Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutayambai to rein in his officers and ensure they do not violate basic human rights.
"I am aware during the introduction of curfew, there were some challenges. I apologise if there were some excesses that were conducted or happened," Uhuru said.
He spoke during a live video chat on Wednesday with Kenya's two coronavirus recoveries - Brenda and Brian - at Afya House.
"If we all work together, and if we all understand that this problem needs all of us and we all pull towards one direction, we will overcome," the President said.
The fatal shooting of a 13-year-old boy at a balcony in Kiamaiko, Huruma estate in Nairobi, brought to three the number of fatalities linked to police officers since the start of the curfew.
The head of state, however, thanked security agencies working round the clock to ensure Kenyans are safe during this period.
He asked Kenyans to protect themselves and stay safe wherever they are. He also thanked the health workers for their work in this critical time.
"I want to thank all the medical staff for the work you're doing. You risk your lives to save others. Do not think your work goes unappreciated and we hope through your work many more Kenyans will go to celebrate as Brenda and Brian are celebrating today," he said.
Yesterday, President Kenyatta chaired the first meeting of the board created to marshal funds for combating Covid-19.
The team led by East African Breweries managing director Jane Karuku was put together by the President to rally Kenyans in raising resources to support government efforts to mitigate the effects of the disease.
Yesterday, President Kenyatta chaired the meeting through video-conferencing and assured the taskforce that comprising captains of industry and senior state officials of his full support.
“Thank you for agreeing to work together throughout this time as we seek to find solutions on how to cushion the vulnerable in our country as well as deal with the future,” the President said.
Karuku assured the head of state of her team's commitment to the task ahead, saying they will work hard to deliver on their mandate.
“We will work closely to ensure that we achieve the mandate that this fund has been created for. We will pool our brains and resources to ensure every Kenyan is cushioned,” Karuku said.
At the same time, the President thanked employers who have undertaken to ensure that no jobs are lost due to the disruption caused by the pandemic.
He applauded oil marketing companies led by the Kenya Pipeline Corporation for blending hand sanitisers for free distribution to vulnerable Kenyans.
Uhuru regretted incidents of violence reported on the first day of the dusk to dawn curfew and urged Kenyans to continue adhering to protocols issued by the Ministry of Health, including voluntary isolation and social distancing.
The President said the government will continue to proactively implement measures to curb the spread of the highly infectious disease.
"As a government we continue to take measures. Keep in mind that these measures we are taking are to ensure every Kenyan is protected and is safe," he said.
President Kenyatta also talked with Covid-19 survivors Brenda and Brian through video-conferencing.
He thanked Brenda, the first to recover, for presenting herself to hospital immediately she felt unwell and sharing information on all the contacts she had had since her arrival from the United States.
The President said the story of Brenda and Brian shows that the disease can be treated and patients can fully recover.
“Your actions are to be emulated by every Kenyan. Come out and get tested as soon as you feel unwell. There is no stigma. Isolate yourself to ensure you do not put others on harm’s way,” he urged Kenyans.
He applauded medical professionals across the country for working extra hard to save lives. He also commended all state and non-state agencies involved in containing the spread of the virus.
Brenda and Brian, who were at Afya House, the Ministry of Health headquarters, told Kenyans to know that the disease is real and urged the citizenry not to be hesitant to come out and seek help immediately they feel unwell.
- mwaniki fm