•Ruto said members of the disbanded Special Services Unit found guilty of killing Kenyans shall face the full wrath of the law.
•The DPP explained that when the officers are charged for their wrongs, it is not the whole NPS that is at fault.
Image: ANDREW KASUKU
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Noordin Haji has defended the move to prosecute police officers accused of extrajudicial killings.
Speaking on Saturday, Haji said the police should not take it personally, as they are trying to save the good name of the National Police Service by doing so.
"Police should not take it as if we are targetting or trying to penalize them. We are actually trying to save the good name and service of the police by pointing out that those who have done wrong do not represent the force," he said.
The DPP explained that when the officers are charged for their wrongs, it is not the whole NPS that is at fault.
"What we sr saying is these few people who are tarnishing the NPS should face the law," Haji added.
Moving forward, the DPP said he was optimistic that under the new administration the different institutions will cement a working relationship among the force.
Earlier this month, President William Ruto said members of the disbanded Special Services Unit found guilty of killing Kenyans shall face the full wrath of the law.
Speaking during the 59th Mashujaa day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Ruto said the time was ripe to retire such terrible tactics and professionalize the criminal justice system.
“I directed that immediate measures be undertaken to disband the Special Services Unit in the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and with urgency investigations must commence so that those found culpable are held accountable,” he said.
The Head of state noted that the government is taking strong measures to facilitate the enhancement of capacities along the criminal justice system chain.
Early this week, Ruto directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to provide the Interior Ministry with a roadmap of ending extrajudicial killings in the country.
Ruto vowed to end police brutality and enforced disappearances in the country as he seeks to streamline the security sector.
He expressed the government’s commitment to lend a hand in the effort to put an end to extrajudicial executions.
“You are uniquely qualified to help us define a mechanism to stop this practice,” Ruto said.
Ruto had earlier stated that his administration will be committed to enhancing security in the country for the sake of the safety of citizens who have historically suffered in the hands of rogue killer security gangs.