Inspector General Joseph Boinnet on Tuesday defended the police amid reports of increasing attacks on journalists and extrajudicial killings.
He said the police are now professionals because of the reforms that were started in 2010.
"If two officers commit a crime it does not mean the whole police service is bad," Boinnet said.
"Just like we have people masquerading as journalists, we also have people in the police who want to spoil the good name of the service."
"In the end, they taint the names of the media and the police," the Inspector General added.
He spoke at a Nairobi hotel during a Press Club luncheon hosted by the International Justice Mission and the Editors Guild.
This year’s theme was: "The Police and a service to society". The luncheon was attended by civil society groups, top media personnel, and police bosses.
IJM director of System Reform Wamaitha Kimani said harmonisation of the service is a great step and will help streamline the police service.
On reforms, she said the media needs to elevate the discussions on what is good by giving proper information so that the public doesn't only joke about the police uniform but also critique the other issues raised.
She further said the reforms have given the police a chance to earn Kenyans' trust.
"The benefit of the harmonised service is that it allows us to have a clear channel of accountability within the police service structure and command."
On August 15, there was an uproar when two Nation journalists were arrested in Mombasa for filming the construction site of a hotel.
NTV cameraman Karim Rajan and Daily Nation photographer Laban Walloga were released after rights activists intervened.
Kenya Union of Journalists secretary general Eric Oduor said more than 30 journalists have been attacked this year.
"We request the IG to set up a desk for journalists attacked while on duty," Oduor said.
Boinnet dismissed the civil society's reports on extrajudicial killings.
"We have not institutionalised extrajudicial killings. We follow the law. Police can only shoot if their lives are also in danger," he said.
The IG said he is happy with the progress made in the police reforms agenda.
"People are only talking about the uniforms but they should also consider the investments in police. We now have good policies and we are also improving training," he said.
On Thursday last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled new uniforms for the police.
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