Makau Mutua-It's dangerous to order police to use guns

Makau Mutua, the Azimio spokesperson has said that it is dangerous for police to be allowed to use their guns to protect themselves while in danger.

Mutua alleged that the government wants to regain the trust of the police and they should not do it by violating the law.

In a statement on Saturday, Mutua said that the order will pit Kenyans and police against each other.

"It’s dangerous — and borders on official lawlessness — to give police a carte blanche to use guns. The UDA regime wants to regain the trust of the police, but you don’t do so by explicitly authorizing them to violate the law and the constitution. Don’t pit citizens against cops," he said.

On Friday, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome ordered police to use their guns to protect themselves while in danger.

Koome told off people calling for the 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.

"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." 

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.