Police to acquire anti-riot gear ahead of 2017 elections, Nkaissery says

VN4 4x4 armoured personnel carrier

A police anti-riot gear is being procured to help them in dealing with insecurity and other forms of disturbances.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery said there is an increase in cases of riots in the country hence need for the procurement of the gear to help police in dealing with the situation.

He said the gear being procured at undisclosed amount of money will be delivered in May.

“You will no longer throw stones at police during riots. We are bringing in anti-riot gear that will help them deal with rioters who we see are increasing,” he said.

The gear include special clothes for police, clubs and special anti-riot water cannons . This will be catered by the Sh3.8 billion allocated to the security sector to address the issue of equipment.

He made the remarks when he unveiled a new police chopper purchased from Italy at the Kenya Police airwing in Nairobi on Wednesday.

Nkaissery also warned against violent protests saying such incidents will not be tolerated.

He said in as much as the constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and picketing he urged for sobriety and responsibility from those organizing such events.

He was referring to the planned protests by Cord on Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission commissioners.

“Let us engage in responsible protests to send the message home. We will tolerate violent protests at all,” he said.

On modernization of police equipment, Nkaissery said they are investing heavily to ensure police work comfortably.

As part of efforts to enhance police operations in the war on terror 30 Armored Personnel Carriers were purchased and distributed to various parts of the country that are thought to be hotspots. They were shared among the Kenya police and Administration Police.

Further, 25 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPS) have been purchased and are expected in the country in May to be deployed to protect officers against Improvised Explosive Devices.

Dozens of police officers have been killed in IED related attacks along the Kenya/Somalia border and the acquisition is aimed at addressing further deaths.

“An additional 25 MRAPS that provide added protection against IEDs will be delivered by May 2016,” said Nkaissery.