MURKOMEN REJECTS PARALLEL POLICE UNIT CLAIMS, BACKS REFORMS

Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has dismissed claims of a parallel command structure within the National Police Service (NPS), insisting that all police units operate under the authority of the Inspector General.

Murkomen described reports suggesting that some police units operate outside the command of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja as “false propaganda,” while reaffirming the Government’s commitment to protecting the independence of the Service.

“Those who are suggesting that there are units in the NPS that operate outside the command of the IG are false propagandists,” Murkomen said.

The CS said the Government would continue supporting the NPS while shielding it from external interference, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen professionalism and accountability within the Service.

Murkomen said the Government was implementing recommendations of the Maraga-led National Taskforce on Police Reforms, with the focus on creating a professional, well-equipped and people-centred police service.

He highlighted changes to the police training curriculum, which now incorporates human rights, constitutionalism and the rule of law.

Other reforms, he said, include modernisation of police equipment, increased use of technology in security operations, improved welfare, enhanced access to medical services and expansion of the police housing programme.

“We are focusing more on mental health, making sure medical facilities and insurance cover are improved, and also their basic salary has increased significantly,” he said.

Murkomen spoke at the National Police College in Embakasi during the 59th Passing-Out Parade of Administration Police Service recruits.

He congratulated the new officers on completing their training, saying their deployment would boost efforts to combat banditry and terrorism, strengthen border security, improve police response capabilities and address personnel shortages.

President William Ruto, who presided over the ceremony, also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to police reforms, saying the programme is designed to serve the public interest and is funded through public resources.

“This entire reform programme is undertaken in the public interest and financed with public resources,” Ruto said.

The President urged the newly graduated officers to uphold law and order while exercising restraint, accountability and humanity in their interactions with members of the public.