National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah during a past event/FILENational Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has appealed to Kenyans to uphold respect for police officers, even as the country confronts cases of police misconduct.
In a statement particularly directed at the protesters, Ichung’wah stated that law and order must be maintained at all times in the push for accountability.
He made it clear that condemning the unlawful actions of a few officers must not become a blanket attack on the entire police service.
“Let us treat our police officers with the honor and respect they deserve. Not every officer is rogue. A few may have gone beyond the line, but that does not justify turning against the entire police force,” he said.
Speaking in parliament, the Kikuyu MP firmly warned the public against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that legal processes must be allowed to address individual cases of abuse.
“If a few have crossed the line, they must face justice through the proper channels. That is not a license for anyone to incite chaos or provoke the police,” he stated.
Ichung’wah also defended the critical role played by the police in safeguarding peace and stability in the country.
“If you want to know the true cost of disorder, withdraw the police from our streets and see what happens, whether it is picketers, demonstrators, looters, or organised criminal gangs. Our officers are the barrier between order and anarchy.”
He also criticised individuals who taunt or provoke officers during demonstrations.
“Let us not brandish our hands at them or bait them into reacting,” he cautioned.
“It is not every day when you come across an officer who will be able to restrain themselves.”
Not every officer will remain calm when provoked,” he cautioned.
He was reacting to a video clip in which a woman was captured taunting a female officer during Tuesday’s protests.
This followed a similar incident in Nakuru in which a man was seen brandishing a panga at police officers while dispersing protesters.
While affirming the right to picket, Ichung’wah insisted it must be exercised with discipline and respect for others.
“Let us demonstrate with dignity, without threatening businesses or provoking violence.
The chaos we’ve witnessed has already caused immense losses to hardworking business owners in the CBD.”
He also cast doubt on the sincerity of some protest organisers, accusing them of using the death of teacher Albert Ojwang as a political tool rather than a call for justice.
“Some of those mobilising for unrest have not even said ‘pole’ to the family in Homa Bay. They are not seeking justice; they are fueling instability,” he said.
