President William Ruto on Tuesday threw his weight behind the men and women serving in the National Police Service, pledging that the Government of Kenya will provide the necessary support they require in keeping the country safe.

Ruto was speaking during a breakfast meeting with the Kenya Police Football Club, who were on Sunday crowned champions of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League.

“To every police officer, from the constable to the man on the beat, I give you my assurance that the Government of Kenya will support and stand by you as you secure our nation and keep our families safe,” President Ruto vowed.

The Head of State observed that the police play a key role in a nation’s security by putting their lives on the line to make sure families and property are safe.

He, however, added that the Kenya Kwanza administration will put enough infrastructure in place to ensure that law enforcers act within the stipulated rules.

“Without peace and security, we do not have a nation. The people who put their lives on the line to make sure that our families, properties, and nation are safe and stable are our security agencies,” he said.

“This administration will stand by them so that they can discharge their responsibilities within the law and make sure that the nation is safe. We have enough infrastructure to make sure that this happens within the law,” he asserted.

Ruto’s assertions come amid complaints from the public concerning the general conduct of the Kenyan police.

Cases of police brutality have characterized the service, with the latest being an incident where a teacher, Albert Ojwang’, was murdered while in police custody — an act that sparked anger, resulting in massive protests.

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Monday approved charges against six police officers, including an OCS, who are key suspects in the murder of Albert Ojwang’.