Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has said police are justified to use their firearm when their lives or any other person's lives are in danger.
He said police are aware on when to use their firearms.
Speaking on Friday after being sworn in, Koome listed five instances police are allowed to use a firearm.
"Their are five instances in the police Act, when the police officer or any other person's life is in danger, the police officer is justified to use the firearm," he said.
"When protecting lives or property if it is eminent to danger or threat, the police can use a firearm. In the case of self defence or defence of another life, they are allowed to use a firearm."
He added that police are justified to use their firearm in an instance when a person is charged with having committed a serious offence including murder, felony or imprisonment of more than three years and that person attempts to escape.
IG Koome said that if police arrests a person charged with committing felony and someone attempts to rescue them, then the police is justified to use firearm.
He said that he is ready to protect police that use their firearms under the five circumstances.
The IG further condemned incidences of gangs that have sprung up in various parts of the country, where they are operating with impunity.
Incidents of violent robbery have been on the rise in the past days.
He assured Kenyans that he will take action against the gangs who steal and kill citizens.
