Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said he supports Inspector General Japhet Koome's order to police officers, to use guns to protect themselves against criminals.
Speaking on Sunday at Maralal Catholic Church in Samburu, Gachagua said police must first protect themselves.
"IG Koome had spoken and I want to reiterate, that in order for our police officers to protect you, they must first protect themselves. If you are armed and you threaten an armed police, there is nothing wrong because they must first protect themselves," he said.
On Friday, IG Koome urged police officers to use their guns to protect themselves while in danger.
"The other day they said arrest 12 police officers. The office of the IG will stand with you," he said.
Koome said police should use their arms to protect themselves, citizens and property.
"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," he said.
Koome told off people calling on arrest of police officers saying officers should not be attacked and fail to use their guns.
"We shall not be intimidated. We have a mandate to protect life and property. I repeat, we shall not be cowards," he said.
