National police service IG Japhet Koome has urged police officers to use their guns to protect themselves while in danger.
Koome told off people calling on arrest of police officers saying officers should not be attacked and fail to use their guns.
"The other day they said arrest 12 police officers. The office of the IG will stand with you," he said on Friday.
The IG spoke during a memorial service of police officers who died in line of duty, in the last one year.
"We had others in Mombasa Road wanatupiwa mishale. Officer ako kazi yake anasindikiza pesa amepata barabara imefungwa. Anaanza kutupiwa mishale na akona bunduki. Jameni kwani hiyo bunduki ni kalamu uandike nayo," he said.
This loosely translates to, "Some officers along Mombasa Road were attacked with arrows. The officers were escorting money when they found a roadblock. The rioters pelted police with arrows yet they had guns. A gun is not a pen to write with."
Koome said police should use their arms to protect themselves, citizens and property.
"We shall not be intimidated. We have a mandate to protect life and property. I repeat, we shall not be cowards," he said.
His sentiments come amid arrests and investigations targeting police officers of squads alleged to have been involved in extrajudicial killings.
