Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said he will not blame police officers for the violence witnessed during Wednesday's demonstrations.
Speaking on Thursday at Tharaka Nithi, Gachagua said police took action when they saw the destruction of properties and violence.
This is after the Wednesday protest was marred with violence and destruction.
The protests saw at least nine people dead and several other people injured.
Police said at least 600 people were arrested across the country.
"I applaud police officers for acting during Azimio demos, I can't blame them because Azimio said they would lead a peaceful protest and were given a chance," he said.
"When the police saw there was violence and destruction of properties they decided to take action."
The Wednesday demonstrations saw protesters engage police in running battles as they tried to block them from demonstrating as they fought back by throwing stones.
Azimio's Narok Senator Ledama Olekina defended the Kenya police service but maintained that there were some 'goons' among them masquerading as officers.
The senator said it's the impersonators that are tarnishing the good work and name of the police service.
"Police are very honourable people but there are goons among them, and this is the reason why His Excellency Raila Odinga did not even go to the demos, because of the goons," Olekina said.
However, police have come under sharp criticism from Kenyans and some civil society groups for using excessive force.