Police reforms must achieve desired result

-Editorial

The National Police Service is in the news again. Thankfully, this time around, it is for all the right reasons especially news over the weekend that the process of vetting the suitability of officers at the summit of police management had seen off three casualties. 

Naturally, the three officers have the right to appeal the findings of the vetting team, which will this week embark on further interviews to weed out the rotten apples and hopefully redeem the tarnished reputation of our police.

Policing is a vital aspect of any civilised, progressive and modern society. How police officers perform their role determines to a great extent the level social cohesion and quality of life for the citizens.

It is by no accident therefore that what we previously referred to as the Kenya Police Force has been transformed — at least in name for now — to the National Police Service. As the change of name suggests, it is no longer an all-powerful tool of suppression, but one geared at serving the people. Successive governments inherited a force structure drawn up by the British colonialists, which was largely meant to suppress any dissent.

The independence leaders then found the force a useful tool to muffle any political opposition and consolidate their grip on power. In the meantime, the leadership of the police found itself too much at the whims of the political elite, especially the presidency. The force had no freedom or even impetus to become professional. When told to jump, it only had to ask the powers-that-be, how high. This and other factors such as poor pay, tough working conditions and lack of proper equipment to tackle crime created a highly demoralised lot.

The police officers’ housing was and is still nothing to write home about. Indeed, many live in dehumanising conditions. Promotions were based largely on patronage and merit was never recognised. In some cases, we have had stories of brave officers killed or hunted down like criminals by rogue elements in the force.

This state of affairs exposed the force to widespread corruption. From the traffic police officer on the road to the ones patrolling streets and the ones manning police stations, they became the bribe-taking officers. In their work, they harassed and harangued citizens, looking for a chance to be bribed. In the process, many officers became overnight millionaires. Soon every young man or woman daring enough, but most probably failed in national examinations, wanted to become a police officer. It was seen as an easy route to riches.

Friday’s marching orders for three senior officers following a public vetting process, is an important if symbolic change. Mr Peter Eregae, Mr Francis Okonya and Mr Jonathan Koskei had come under close questioning over their wealth.

It is truly a long way on the road to reform that began in 2003, when President Kibaki announced a reform programme to professionalise the force. The Narc government even toyed with community policing.

But the reforms achieved little as the regime, especially after the bungled 2007 president election, used the force to sustain its hold on power.

The 2010 Constitution is however remedying this by reducing political manipulation of the police service and enhancing accountability in the police officers. Still, political goodwill is needed to create an efficient police service. That is where the Jubilee government must provide sound leadership on police reforms.

In August 2011, three key police reform laws were passed: the National Police Service Bill, the National Police Service Commission Bill, and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority Bill. The laws have triggered crucial reforms in the police, which must be supported by all Kenyans of goodwill.  

Finally, culture change should be at the centre of the police reforms. The officers must understand their crucial role in Kenya’s journey to posterity. The citizens must also recognise the importance of an efficient police service.