Police officers have been urged to uphold high standards of discipline when carrying out their duties.
Speaking during a one-day sensitization workshop for junior officers from the regular and administration police held at Government guesthouse in Garissa town on Tuesday, AP Commander North Eastern Region (Senior Assistant Inspector General -SAIG) Omar Shurie said that the officers have no choice but to carry out their mandate diligently and professionally.
Police officers have in the past come under sharp criticism from members of the public and rights activists who have on numerous occasions blamed them for violating human rights in their line of duty.
The most recent accusations come after the August 8, 2017general election where they were accused of using excessive force to quell demonstrations.
Several people died in the process with the police being accused of being behind the majority of the killings.
Shurie said each police officer will be held responsible for his or her actions.
“We are calling upon officers to maintain human rights while performing their duties. We would wish a situation where the force is exonerated from violating human rights in the cause of their duties,” he said.
“We want our officers to be responsible citizens and be ready to defend their actions if and when called upon. This is the essence of this sensitization workshop,” he added.
Shurie said the new constitution that came into effect in2011 clearly defines the rights of the citizens under arrest.
The independent unit within the national police service is tasked with receiving and investigating complaints on police officers.
It came into effect in 2013. Other functions include investigating cases where an officer has erroneously punished.
The workshop was meant to sensitize the officers on the functions and mandate of the unit.