President Uhuru Hails Police's Role During the Electioneering Period

President Uhuru has hailed police officers for their role during the just concluded electioneering period.

In a statement sent from police headquarters, the president said that officers went about their duty “professionally” and “in accordance with the law.” The head of state's message was communicated through Inspector General Joseph Boinnet and the Deputy Inspector General Joel Kitili.

“I have been directed by the President to convey his commendation to officers of all ranks involved in various stages of the 2017 general elections exercise for the high degree of professionalism and dedication to duty displayed during the entire period,” read the signal signed by director of operations at Kenya police headquarters Benson Kibui.

“He (the President) has equally noted that notwithstanding the intense political competition and the unprecedented repeat presidential polls the national police service remained firm in execution of its mandate and in the service of Kenyan people,” the signal dated November 30th and stamped “confidential” adds.

The letter was stamped “Secpol”, a police code of communication that means it should only be shared to insiders. The signal further read: “On my own behalf, I (president) wish to commend all officers for their selfless dedication to duty that saw the national police service with the support of other national security agencies, cover the 2017 electoral process effectively and in accordance with the law.”

It added: “Let us therefore keep up the positive spirit in the service of our motherland.”

Mr Kibui conveyed the signal to all regional commanders across the country with the orders that: “You are therefore directed to convey this message to all officers under your respective commands.”

The President's statements is likely to attract sharp criticism from the opposition and civil society groups, who have constantly accused the police of employing excessive force on unarmed citizens to a point of using live bullets.

The opposition said that more than 100 supporters died in the hands of police officers during the electioneering period, but civil society groups and Kenya National Human Rights Commission has put the number at about 50. However, police have always disputed the figures.