Lagat Opens New Mosque at Eldoret Central Police Station, Orders Officers to Stay Vigilant Ahead of Mashujaa Day

 

By Wasike Elvis 

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has called on police officers to uphold professionalism, discipline and humanity in their interactions with members of the public as the country prepares for the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Lagat made the remarks during his visit to Eldoret Central Police Station, where he presided over the official opening of a newly constructed mosque established through an initiative of the Kenya Police Service Directorate of Chaplaincy.

The new mosque is expected to provide a dedicated place of worship for Muslim police officers serving at the station, while also supporting the broader spiritual and welfare needs of officers.

Speaking during the occasion, Lagat described the opening of the mosque as an important milestone in promoting faith, spiritual growth and the well-being of police officers.

He noted that police officers operate in demanding environments and require spaces where they can seek spiritual guidance, reflect and strengthen their commitment to service.

Lagat expressed hope that the mosque would become a place where officers can worship, find peace and build stronger bonds of unity.

He said the facility should serve as a symbol of peace, prayer and togetherness within the police service.

“May this Mosque be a place of peace, prayer, and unity,” Lagat said.

The mosque forms part of efforts by the Kenya Police Service Directorate of Chaplaincy to support the spiritual welfare of officers of different faiths as they undertake their security responsibilities across the country.

Beyond the religious ceremony, Lagat used his visit to engage officers at Eldoret Central Police Station on matters of policing, public safety and professional conduct.

He urged the officers to serve the public with humanity, professionalism and dedication, stressing the importance of treating citizens with respect while carrying out their duties.

The Deputy Inspector General also emphasised the need for officers to remain disciplined and committed to their responsibilities, particularly during periods when the country experiences increased public activity and movement.

As Kenya prepares to mark Mashujaa Day, Lagat called on police officers to enhance vigilance and remain alert to emerging security threats.

He urged commanders and officers to put in place appropriate security measures to safeguard members of the public, critical installations and other important facilities during the celebrations.

Mashujaa Day is expected to bring together thousands of Kenyans and visitors for national celebrations, creating a need for enhanced coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders.

Lagat therefore stressed the importance of preparedness, teamwork and professionalism among officers deployed to provide security during the festivities.

He also called for continued mentorship of newly recruited police officers, urging experienced officers and commanders to guide the new recruits as they adjust to the demands and responsibilities of police service.

According to Lagat, mentorship is important in helping new officers understand the values, discipline and professional standards expected within the Kenya Police Service.

He urged senior officers to lead by example and ensure that younger officers receive proper guidance as they begin their careers.

The visit brought together senior police commanders from the region, with Lagat accompanied by Rift Valley Regional Police Commander AIG Samuel Ndanyi and other senior officers.

The engagement at Eldoret Central Police Station combined matters of spiritual welfare with operational security, highlighting the importance of both the physical and emotional well-being of officers as they undertake their duties.

The opening of the mosque is expected to strengthen access to worship for Muslim officers at the station and contribute to the Kenya Police Service's wider chaplaincy programmes.

At the same time, Lagat's security directive comes ahead of Mashujaa Day, with police officers expected to maintain heightened alertness and ensure that Kenyans can participate in the national celebrations in a secure and orderly environment.

The Deputy Inspector General's visit to Eldoret Central Police Station also provided an opportunity to reinforce the message that effective policing requires not only security preparedness but also professionalism, dedication, discipline and respect for the communities officers serve.