President William Ruto has asked the National Police Service to utilise its powers responsibly in accordance with the constitution.
Speaking during a press briefing at Statehouse on Wednesday, Ruto said that all breaches and violations by police officers must be handled expeditiously through due process to accord Kenyans a police force that upholds the highest standards of integrity.
"I call on the National Police Service to use its mandate responsibly, professionally and effectively in full compliance with the constitution with a view of promoting the national objectives of articles 238, 239 and 244 of our Constitution," Ruto said.
The government had expressed regret that what started as peaceful demonstrations had been infiltrated by criminal elements resulting in loss of property and lives.
It said that security agencies are under instruction to exercise restraint in the face of peaceful protests but the script will flip to the use of force in the face of criminalities to ensure public safety.
Police have been accused of using live bullets, and teargas in dispersing crowds of protesters.
The protests have been marked by scenes of violence, with youths engaging in running battles with security forces across the country.
