Editor's Review

"Kwa hivyo tunaambia wakora, uko kule kwa estate, unasumbua wananchi kwa kudunga wao visu na kuwapiga risasi, it will not happen under my watch," Japhet Koome.

Newly sworn-in Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has outlined five instances where the police are allowed to use their fire arm

Speaking on Friday, November 11, after taking the oath of office, Koome said that the police are allowed to use their fire arm if their lives or those of any other person are in danger.

He further said that the police were allowed to shoot when protecting life or property and there's a threat further adding that the police can use the fire arm in self defence or defence of another life.

Koome also maintained that if anyone charged with a crime and attempts to escape, police are allowed to shoot and if anyone tries to protect such a person, the police can also use their fire arm.

Japhet Koome with Chief Justice Martha Koome.

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"Anybody who is charged of having committed a felony and that person attempts to escape, a police officer can use a fire arm. And if a police officer has arrested someone charged with having committed a felony then you attempt rescuing that person, the law says a police officer can use a fire arm," Koome stated.

He further added that any officer who uses their fire arm under the five circumstances shall be protected by the National Police Service (NPS).

The new police IG further sounded a warning to criminals, maintaining that they'll not commit any crimes under his watch.

"Kwa hivyo tunaambia wakora, uko kule kwa estate, unasumbua wananchi kwa kudunga wao visu na kuwapiga risasi, it will not happen under my watch," Koome stated.