'Not on my watch,' IG Koome says as he vows to address rising cases of insecurity

Newly sworn-in Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has vowed to address rising cases of insecurity across the country now that he is at the helm of the National Police Service (NPS).

Speaking at the Supreme Court grounds just moments after taking the oath of office, Koome noted that he was well aware that Kenya has become increasingly insecure in the past few months.

His statements come amid growing public outrage that the NPS is failing Kenyans owing to rising cases of broad daylight stabbings, shootings, rape, defilement and murder across the country which largely go unsolved.

"I'd like to tell all those crooks that are disturbing the peace by stealing, stabbing and shooting people that this will no longer happen under my watch. I will not sleep on the job," said Koome.

Koome likewise promised to address cases of rampant banditry that continue to claim lives in different parts of the country.

"We are calling them livestock lords and our strategy is to target them and we shall engage Parliament so that such people are dealt with for committing such acts," he said.

"The president has pronounced himself on this and I want Kenyans to be able to go about with their lives without having to worry about their safety."

Koome proceeded to issue a stern warning to criminal entities across the country noting that the NPS, under his administration, will leave no stone unturned if it means safeguarding the lives of Kenyans.

"Let us all enjoy our existence and live peacefully. To the criminals out there, please bear with me because you will face it. We are not threatening anybody but we are stating things as they are. Everybody should earn a living legitimately and not by harassing and stealing from our citizens," he said.

"We urge Kenyans to go about with their business; the NPS will protect you and your properties and this is the message I am sending as I take charge of NPS."