President Uhuru Kenyatta has appealed to police officers across the country to exercise restraint when faced with life and work-related challenges.
Speaking during the 48th passing-out parade of the General Service Unit (GSU) officers in Embaksi on Wednesday, December 8, the President said the government is working on how to handle mental issues in the service.
The Commander-in-chief of the armed forces, however, urged the officers to exhaust available mechanisms of solving personal and work-related challenges to avert the rising cases of police shootings.
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His sentiments came a day after a police constable attached to Kabete Police Station and identified as Benson Imbati killed six people before turning the trigger on himself.
The President reiterated the need to uphold the law and abide by the rules and regulations of the service in their mission to safeguard the rights and freedoms of Kenyans.
"To serve successfully, you must uphold the law, abide by all applicable rules and regulations. Follow the orders of your superior officers and above all commit to serving this nation with courage, integrity, discipline, and honour.
"As custodians of public safety and our internal security, you are the watchers on the wall who safeguard our rights, freedoms, and our way of life. You must live true to the oath you have taken at all times, whether on duty or otherwise, be model officers whom others will emulate," President Uhuru stated.
The Head of State divulged that the government was implementing a comprehensive health medical insurance cover to look into the police welfare and their families.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior Fred Matiang'i, who attended the event, praised President Uhuru's leadership saying he has addressed lots of challenges facing the sector.
"A lot of work has happened in this sector thanks to your solid leadership and the investments that you have made. We are stronger, better and much more prepared to deal with the challenges ahead," CS Matiang'i noted.
